MOMBASA, Kenya — A dispute has emerged between security officials and protest organisers in Mombasa ahead of planned June 25 demonstrations commemorating victims of the 2024 and 2025 anti-government protests, with both sides offering conflicting accounts over compliance with legal notification requirements.
Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor said authorities had not received the mandatory notice required under Kenyan law to facilitate the demonstrations, warning that any protest conducted without proper notification would be considered unlawful.
According to Noor, organisers are required to provide at least three days’ notice before holding a public gathering to enable security agencies to prepare adequately and maintain public order.
“Today is June 23, and we have not received any notice regarding the demonstrations. When organisers notify us, we are able to plan security arrangements and determine the routes they intend to use. This helps prevent criminals from infiltrating the protests and damaging property,” he said.
The county commissioner pointed to last year’s demonstrations, noting that prior notification had enabled security agencies to coordinate effectively, allowing protests to proceed in a more organised manner while minimising security risks.
However, organisers of the planned demonstrations rejected the claims, insisting that the required notices had already been submitted.
Human rights activist Hussein Khalid said organisers had issued notices last week through police authorities and that notifications had been delivered on behalf of all 47 counties to avoid disputes over jurisdiction and receipt.
“We presented the notices in Nairobi to avoid situations where authorities claim they were not informed in certain areas. The notice issued in Nairobi was sufficient, and a notice was also submitted here in Mombasa,” Khalid said.
He maintained that the commemorative events would proceed as planned on Thursday and urged participants to remain peaceful throughout the activities.
Khalid disclosed that organisers had held consultations with security officials in Mombasa and appealed to police officers to avoid the use of excessive force against demonstrators.
“Mombasa was a good example last year because there was no violence. We want the commemorations to remain peaceful,” he said.
The activist also raised concerns over what organisers view as a lack of accountability for officers accused of using excessive force during previous demonstrations.
“The officers linked to those killings are still walking free without any action being taken. That is something we do not want to see repeated,” he added.
Another organiser, Walid Sketty, said Mombasa is expected to record a significant turnout during the Gen Z memorial march, which he described as a tribute to those who lost their lives during past protests and a call for justice.
“We expect a big demonstration in Mombasa. This is a Gen Z memorial, and one of the reasons we are coming out is to ensure these heroes get justice,” Sketty said, adding that organisers had submitted a notification letter at Mombasa Central Police Station.
As the demonstrations approach, organisers have urged security agencies to facilitate peaceful assembly and maintain order, while authorities insist that legal procedures must be followed to ensure public safety and prevent disruption.
