NAIROBI, Kenya — Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has issued a strong caution to individuals planning to participate in Wednesday’s demonstrations, urging them to steer clear of designated protected areas. The protests, scheduled for June 24, aim to honor those who lost their lives during last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests.
In a brief press conference, lasting less than ten minutes, IG Kanja affirmed that police officers “shall act within the confines of the law to protect lives and property.” He appealed to protesters to conduct their activities within legal boundaries, emphasizing that officers would maintain vigilance throughout the events.
Flanked by high-ranking officials, including DCI Amin Mohamed, GSU Commandant Ranson Lolmodoni, Deputy Inspector General in charge of APS Gilbert Masengeli, and Nairobi County Commander George Seda, among others, IG Kanja also implored the public to refrain from provoking police officers during the demonstrations. Following his statement, he declined to entertain questions from journalists.
This development follows earlier assurances from Nairobi police chief George Seda, who had affirmed the readiness of security organs to enhance safety during the upcoming Gen Z anniversary protests.
On June 18, 2025, Commander Seda stated: “We have the plan and we shall be there to provide enough and good security to ensure every person who is going to participate and those not going to participate will be safe, for that matter.”
Also Read: Exposed: Inside the state-backed plot to sabotage Kenya’s Gen Z anniversary protests
He also confirmed the receipt of official communication regarding the planned protests, as required by law, adding: “As for June 25th, we have enhanced plans. We equally have a copy of the letter which was delivered to Central (Police Station).”
Commander Seda further appealed for adherence to peaceful conduct, urging demonstrators to avoid actions that could disrupt non-participants.
“Let’s restrict ourselves to what we call peaceful demonstrations. Let’s not have demonstrations which are going to interfere with other people who may not be part of the demonstrators,” he urged.
He also highlighted the potential impact on daily life and businesses: “Remember, it will be a working day and we shall be having people operating hotels, shops and other businesses. We are looking uncivilised when we start converging, and then as we continue, it turns violent and beats the logic of conducting it, which makes the situation worse.”
