Nairobi, June 19- Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Sedah has assured the public of their safety ahead of planned protests to honour young Kenyans who died during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations. Speaking to the media on Wednesday, June 18, Sedah said the police had put in place “enhanced plans” to ensure the demonstrations proceed peacefully.
“We will provide enough and good security for all Kenyans to ensure that every person who is going to participate or be affected by the protests will be safe,” Sedah stated. He confirmed that police had received formal notice from a group of activists intending to take part in the protest, delivered to the Central Police Station.
The protests are expected to take place in Nairobi’s central business district and are being organised in memory of members of Generation Z who were killed during previous demonstrations. Sedah stressed the need for peaceful conduct, warning against any acts of violence or provocation towards police officers. He referred to the June 12 protests where confrontations were reported between demonstrators and masked officers.
“It beats the logic of conducting the protests when we start peacefully and end up with violence. That is what is worsening the situation,” Sedah remarked, adding that the protests will occur during a workday, and normal business activities must be allowed to continue.
However, Sedah’s assurances come at a time when Kenyan police are facing mounting criticism over their handling of public protests. Rights groups have repeatedly accused officers of responding with excessive force, even during peaceful demonstrations. Concerns were heightened on June 17 when a video circulated online showing a police officer shooting at a vendor selling masks during a protest in Nairobi’s CBD.
The police service is now under pressure to prove it can facilitate peaceful assemblies without resorting to violence, as public anger continues to grow over past incidents of brutality.
