NAIROBI, Kenya — Activist Boniface Mwangi has challenged police claims that organisers failed to notify authorities about the June 25 commemorative demonstrations, releasing a video that he says shows a formal notice being delivered to the National Police Service ahead of the protests.
The dispute emerged after Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamoud stated on Wednesday that police had not received any formal notification regarding the planned demonstrations marking the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024, Gen Z protests.
“We have not received any formal notification so far. Hence, we are not aware of the alleged commemoration. We do not expect any gathering in Nairobi tomorrow,” Mohamoud said during a media briefing.
However, Mwangi on Thursday shared a video on X, formerly Twitter, showing a group of senior lawyers delivering a protest notification letter to Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga.
According to Mwangi, the letter informed police of plans for a peaceful march to Parliament and notified authorities that similar commemorative demonstrations would take place across the country.
“A letter notifying the police of today’s peaceful march to Parliament marking the second anniversary of June 25th and stating that Kenyans will be marching countrywide, was delivered to Police Spokesman Michael Nyaga Muchiri by five lawyers,” Mwangi posted.
The video shows the letter being presented in the presence of former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua, former Makueni Governor Kivutha Kibwana, veteran politician Gitobu Imanyara, and Siaya Governor James Orengo, all of whom are Senior Counsel.
Mwangi argued that the notification gave police adequate time to prepare security arrangements and facilitate the demonstrations in line with constitutional guarantees on peaceful assembly.
“The police had sufficient time to prepare to protect marchers and ensure that no goons infiltrate to harm protesters or loot businesses,” he said.
The activist further maintained that law enforcement agencies have a constitutional duty to safeguard both demonstrators and property during public gatherings.
“It is the duty of the police to protect lives and property for all and to arrest criminals,” Mwangi stated.
In a pointed warning, he added that any failure by police to act against individuals who infiltrate demonstrations to cause violence or destruction would raise questions about possible political protection.
“If any goons appear today and are not arrested, we shall know they are working for President Ruto,” he said.
The exchange comes amid heightened tensions ahead of the June 25 commemorations, which have been organised to honour victims of last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests that culminated in the storming of Parliament and triggered a national political reckoning.
Human rights groups, legal organisations and civil society actors have urged security agencies to facilitate peaceful demonstrations while ensuring public order. The Law Society of Kenya and the Police Reforms Working Group have also called on officers to respect constitutional rights and avoid excessive use of force.