NAIROBI, Kenya — Kenya’s police force has issued a stern warning to citizens employing youth for unofficial “protection” during protests, urging them to cease such practices and allow security agencies to perform their mandated duties.
Police spokesperson Michael Muchiri emphasized that the hiring of private protection is unlawful, asserting that the primary responsibility for safeguarding businesses rests with law enforcement.
“Those saying that they are protecting their business should stop. There is no law that gives citizens the right to hire people to protect their businesses,” Muchiri stated during an interview with Vivid Voice News.
He further cautioned, “Any youth being asked to show up in the protests and protect businesses should know that they are breaching the law to the highest degree.”
This directive follows recent reports of individuals, allegedly hired by prominent political figures, causing chaos in Nairobi during demonstrations under the guise of “protecting businesses” from vandalism.
However, circulating videos have depicted these individuals, armed with batons, engaging in muggings of protesters and even breaking into shops within the Central Business District (CBD).
Muchiri confirmed that the police are conducting a thorough investigation into these violent incidents, meticulously examining CCTV footage to identify and apprehend suspects.
“After analysing the videos we have seen that people will start getting arrested. We will go for those who came out to say that they are protecting businesses. Any act that has breached the law shall not happen again,” the police spokesperson affirmed.
He underscored that public dissent against the ruling administration does not justify violence, appealing for restraint and peaceful conduct during the upcoming demonstrations scheduled for June 25.
Also Read: Nairobi police vow tight security ahead of June 25 Gen Z protest anniversary
“It is important to uphold peace and ensure that Kenya remains steadfast. The protests we have had are a lesson to us and we shall use it as a learning curve to inform our conduct in future,” he urged.
Addressing public perception of the police, Muchiri added, “We are also human beings. We urge Kenyans to kindly give our officers the respect they deserve. The unlawful incidents we have witnessed do not represent who we are as the police force.”
The planned nationwide demonstrations on June 25 aim to commemorate victims of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests and call for justice for those allegedly shot by rogue police officers.
Nairobi Central OCPD Stephen Okal, who has reportedly met with protest organizers, has provided assurances that law enforcement will offer adequate protection during the upcoming events.
