Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has directed police officers to protect peaceful protesters during the June 25 demonstrations, set to mark one year since the deadly 2024 protests.

🇰🇪 Breaking It Down

Speaking at a Peace and Security Meeting in Angata Barikoi on June 24, Murkomen urged officers to exercise maximum restraint and avoid any situation that could justify the use of force against demonstrators.

“For those who will engage in peaceful protests tomorrow, police are ready to give you security and protection so that you can have a peaceful march,” stated Murkomen.

However, he also warned that if those who engage in violent protests, the government will not hesitate to use any means at its disposal to quell the protests.

📌 What You Need to Know

“Anyone who is going to disturb peace, I want to tell you that our National Police Service is well-equipped to ensure that our country is safe,” warned Murkomen.

Additionally, he also ordered everyone to report to work, kids to go to school, and businesses across the country to resume as usual, stressing that the security apparatus will be on high alert in the event of any violence.

The June 25 protests are expected to draw large crowds across the country as Kenyans mark the anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z-led demonstrations, which left dozens dead after a dramatic storming of Parliament.

To counter the anticipated demos, the government has already begun a crackdown, with the arrest of activist Bob Njagi in Kajiado County on suspicion of inciting members of the public ahead of the June 25 Gen Z march.

On the other hand, counter demos have also been held in Kisumu , with hundreds of residents taking to the streets to oppose the demonstrations scheduled to be held across different parts of the country.

On the flipside, Kenyan police and government officials, including Nairobi Regional Commander Issa Mohamud, have stated that no permits or formal notifications for the June 25 protests have been received at police stations.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke