CS Murkomen says police ready to provide security during June 25 anniversary protests

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen now says police are prepared to provide security for demonstrators expected to take part in Thursday's June 25 anniversary protests.

Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday evening, Murkomen said the government respects the constitutional right of every Kenyan to peacefully assemble and demonstrate, adding that police had received notification from citizens planning to hold public protests.

CS Murkomen said police officers would facilitate the demonstrations and ensure the safety of participants, warning that they would also deal firmly with criminals seeking to infiltrate them.

"Tomorrow is a normal working and school day; however, the police are in receipt of a notification by some citizens who would like to engage in public demonstrations," Murkomen said.

"The government respects the Constitutional rights of every citizen to peacefully assemble for any reason on any day, any time. Article 37 guarantees every person the right to peacefully and unharmed to assemble to demonstrate, to picket and to present petitions to public authorities."

He added: "Police are therefore ready to provide security and guide the protesters tomorrow according to their request. We call upon all the organisers and participants to conduct their demonstrations within the bounds of the law, ensuring they remain peaceful and unharmed."

Despite affirming the right to protest, Murkomen expressed concern that some political actors were allegedly seeking to exploit the demonstrations for political purposes.

The Interior CS warned that authorities would take decisive action against anyone engaging in criminal activities under the cover of lawful demonstrations.

"It has come to our attention that some political actors are planning to use the protests for their political campaigns and are hellbent to mobilise goons, gangs and criminals with all manner of crude weapons to cause mayhem by attacking businesses and civilians," he said.

"Our position as government is that we will deal decisively and in accordance to the law with anyone or groups seeking to exploit legitimate protests to cause chaos, engage in looting, destroy property, disrupt businesses or commit any other criminal acts."

Murkomen's remarks came hours after Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamoud had told journalists that police had not received any formal notification regarding the planned commemoration of the June 25, 2024, anti-Finance Bill 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 an earlier briefing.

The regional commander explained that organisers of public gatherings are required by law to notify the nearest police station at least three days before the event, noting that police had successfully guided 62 protests since January this year.

Earlier, National Police Service spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga also warned that officers had been instructed to deter criminal elements and maintain law and order during any gatherings.

"I want to remind Kenyans that the work of the police is to maintain law and order. Anybody who tries to go outside of the law will be dealt with accordingly. Anybody who goes outside of the law will face the full force of the law. The officers have firm instructions to deter any criminal elements," Nyaga said.

Thursday's demonstrations are expected to mark the second anniversary of the June 25, 2024 protests, during which thousands of young Kenyans took to the streets to oppose the Finance Bill 2024.