Police say criminal groups are planning to disrupt Tuesday demos
![Police say criminal groups are planning to disrupt Tuesday demos Police say criminal groups are planning to disrupt Tuesday demos](https://citizentv.obs.af-south-1.myhuaweicloud.com/129032/conversions/AFP__20240715__36466HC__v1__HighRes__KenyaCrime-og_image.webp)
Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja briefs the media in Nairobi on July 15, 2024. (Photo by AFP)
Police say they have received “credible
intelligence” about certain organised criminal groups that have planned to disrupt
Tuesday’s peaceful demonstrations.
Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas
Kanja has urged protesters to be cautious and
vigilant of elements which could threaten their safety during the demos.
“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,” the
police boss said in a statement.
“While you demonstrate, we urge you to
remain peaceful and vigilant. Please collaborate, cooperate and coordinate with
the police to ensure your safety and our collective security as Kenyans are
guaranteed during the event.”
Kanja pledged that the police will “uphold
the rule of law; serve and protect; maintain law and order; and ensure that
every Kenyan enjoys their constitutional rights.”
The youth-led nationwide protests initially
began last month over the Finance Bill, 2024, but while President William Ruto
has since dropped the contentious draft bill, dissolved his Cabinet and pledged
austerity by his government as he works towards an inclusive leadership, a
large number of Kenyans still want him to “go”.
On social media and in the streets, Kenyans
have been chanting “Ruto must go”, calling for continued protests until the
President yields and resigns.
The previous round of protests led to the death
of over 40 protesters.
Kenyan police were criticised for opening fire on unarmed protesters, arresting and abducting some of the youth, and also using violence to suppress protesters.
Previous protests also saw cases of looting
and vandalism of businesses, largely blamed on hired goons.
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