NAIROBI, Kenya – Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has cautioned demonstrators planning to take part in Wednesday’s nationwide protests to avoid breaching protected zones and to conduct themselves lawfully.
Gen Z protestors are expected to demand for good governance and an end to police brutality, during the first anniversary protests since the June 25, 2024 killings of dozens of young Kenyans.
They were protesting against punitive tax proposals.
IG Kanja, flanked by senior security commanders, stressed that the National Police Service will enforce law and order strictly within constitutional parameters.
“Police officers shall act within the confines of the law to protect lives and property,” Kanja said. “We urge the public not to provoke officers and to demonstrate peacefully as allowed by the Constitution.”
Kanja was joined by top-ranking officers, including DCI boss Amin Mohamed, GSU commandant Ranson Lolmodoni, Deputy Inspector General in charge of the Administration Police Gilbert Masengeli, and Nairobi County Commander George Seda.
Despite the weight of the moment, the police boss declined to take questions from reporters after delivering his statement.
Police IG Douglas Kanja urges protesters to avoid provocative acts, venturing into protected areas during tomorrow’s protests
Nairobi Police Confirm Protest Notification
Nairobi’s top cop, George Seda, separately confirmed that authorities have received a formal letter notifying them of the planned demonstrations, in accordance with legal procedures.
“We have enhanced plans for June 25,” Seda said. “We equally have a copy of the letter which was delivered to Central Police Station. Security will be provided for all—those demonstrating and those not.”
He emphasized the importance of maintaining peace and urged demonstrators not to interfere with businesses or people not involved in the protests.
“Remember, it will be a working day. People will be operating shops, hotels, and offices,” Seda said. “We look uncivilized when protests begin peacefully but later turn violent, which defeats their purpose.”
Nationwide Tensions Ahead of Anniversary
The heightened security alert comes as Kenya prepares to mark one year since the anti-Finance Bill protests of 2024, during which dozens of protesters—mostly young people—were killed or injured in confrontations with police.
Wednesday’s demonstrations, spearheaded by Gen Z activists, are expected to draw thousands to the streets in remembrance and renewed calls for reform.
Leaders from across the political spectrum, civil society groups, and religious organizations have called for restraint from both demonstrators and security agencies, with many urging the government to honour the constitutional right to peaceful assembly under Article 37.
President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga have both weighed in, with Odinga defending the right to protest and Ruto warning that violence and lawlessness will not be tolerated.
