NAIROBI, Kenya — Police have said they have not received any formal notification for the planned June 25 commemoration of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, even as security agencies warned that any criminal elements attempting to exploit the event will face firm action.
Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamoud said law enforcement agencies were yet to receive the legally required notice for any public gathering scheduled for Thursday.
“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.
The commander explained that under the law, organisers of public meetings, processions, or demonstrations are required to notify the nearest police station at least three days before the event. He clarified that such notifications are not submitted directly to the Inspector General of Police.
Mohamoud noted that police have processed and facilitated 62 protest notifications since January this year, demonstrating their willingness to support lawful assemblies while maintaining public order.
While reaffirming citizens’ constitutional rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, he cautioned that security agencies would not tolerate violence, looting, vandalism or any acts that threaten public safety.
“We will confront anybody who intends to cause havoc or chaos. It is our mandate to protect life and property. Hatutakubali vurugu ya aina yoyote jijini Nairobi. Tutakabiliana na wahusika ifaavyo,” he said.
National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga echoed the remarks, saying officers have been instructed to deter criminal activity while enforcing the law.
“I want to remind Kenyans that the work of the police is to maintain law and order. Anybody that tries to go outside of the law will be dealt with accordingly. Anybody who will go outside of the law will face the full force of the law. The officers have firm instructions to deter any criminal elements,” Nyaga said.
The statements come ahead of planned nationwide activities marking the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024, protests, during which demonstrators stormed Parliament in opposition to the Finance Bill, leading to deaths, injuries, and widespread public outrage.
Civil society groups, families of victims, and youth activists have indicated that this year’s events are intended to honour those who lost their lives during the demonstrations while renewing calls for accountability over alleged police brutality, enforced disappearances, and unresolved protest-related deaths.
Addressing reports of alleged arrests of activists ahead of the commemoration, Nyaga said police had no information regarding such incidents.
“We are not aware of any arrests. If any arrests occurred, due process must have been followed depending on the circumstances,” he said.
