No notice filed for Thursday's Gen Z June 25 commemoration, police say

Police have said they have not received any formal notification for the planned commemoration of the June 25, 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests scheduled for Thursday in Nairobi, warning that any criminal elements will be dealt with firmly.

Speaking during a press briefing on Wednesday, Nairobi Regional Commander Issa Mohamoud said law enforcement agencies are not aware of any planned gathering in the city.

“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.

The commander explained that the law requires any person planning a public gathering to issue a notice at least three days in advance to the nearest police station, not directly to the Inspector General.

He noted that since January this year, police have received and guided 62 protest notifications.

While affirming the constitutional right to expression, Mohamoud warned that police will not tolerate violence, looting or destruction of property.

“We will confront anybody who intends to cause havoc or chaos. It is our mandate to protect life and property. Hatutakubali vurugu ya aina yoyote jijini Nairobi. Tutakabiliana na wahusika ifaavyo,” he said.

National Police Service Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga echoed the sentiments, warning that officers have firm instructions to deter any criminal elements.

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

On reports of arrests of activists, Nyaga stated that police were not aware of any arrests and that if any had occurred, due process must have been followed depending on the circumstances leading to the alleged arrests.