Police Warn of Criminal Gangs Amidst Youth Protests
As Kenyan youths prepare for another day of planned protests, the National Police Service has issued a crucial security alert regarding the demonstrations.
Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja has acknowledged the constitutional right of citizens to assemble and voice their grievances but has also highlighted potential threats posed by criminal elements aiming to disrupt the peaceful protests.
In a statement released to the media, Kanja emphasized that the youths, organized under the banner of “Generation Z,” are exercising their rights under Article 37 of the Kenyan Constitution, which guarantees freedom of assembly, picketing, and demonstration. However, he also revealed that intelligence reports have identified organized criminal groups intending to infiltrate the protests with the aim of causing chaos and undermining the demonstrations’ peaceful nature.
“We have received credible intelligence indicating that certain organized criminal groups have planned to infiltrate, disrupt, and destabilize the nature of the demonstrations, which could potentially jeopardize the safety of the demonstrators,” Kanja said in the statement.
The Acting IG assured the public that the National Police Service is committed to upholding the constitutional rights of all Kenyans and maintaining the safety of the protesters. He urged participants to remain vigilant, peaceful, and cooperative with law enforcement to ensure a secure environment for everyone involved.
“We urge you to remain vigilant and peaceful. Collaborate, cooperate, and coordinate with the police to ensure that your safety and our collective security as Kenyans are guaranteed,” Kanja advised.
The “Generation Z” protesters, who have been actively demonstrating for several weeks, are calling for significant changes in the country’s leadership.
Their efforts have already led to notable outcomes, including the withdrawal of the controversial Finance Bill 2024 and the recent dismissal of several Cabinet Secretaries.
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