Acting Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja has warned the youth holding protests that criminal groups were planning to infiltrate the demonstrations.
In a statement on Tuesday, July 16, Kanja disclosed that the National Police Service (NPS) had received credible intelligence regarding criminal gangs' plan to disrupt the protests.
"The National Police Service notes that there are planned demonstrations today, Tuesday, July 16, 2024, organized by young Kenyans, also known as Gen Z, to exercise their fundamental right to peacefully assemble, picket and demonstrate under Article 37 of our constitution.
"This morning, we received credible intelligence indicating that certain organised criminal groups have planned to infiltrate, disrupt and destabilise the peaceful nature of the demonstrations, which could potentially jeopardise the safety of demonstrators," Kanja remarked.
The acting IG urged the youth to remain vigilant and peaceful during the protests, even as he asked them to cooperate with the police to ensure their safety.
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He further reiterated the police's mission to uphold the rule of law, maintain law and order and ensure that every Kenyan enjoys their constitutional rights.
"Please collaborate, cooperate and coordinate with the police to ensure your safety and our collective security as Kenyans is guaranteed during the event,” Kanja added.
His remarks came even as several protestors hit the streets across various parts of the country on Tuesday.
In Nairobi CBD, police had already started dispersing tear gas canisters around the streets, which were occupied by a few protestors.
The situation in Mombasa was tense as hundreds of protestors took to the streets while chanting and carrying placards.
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