Criminal gangs plan to infiltrate demos – acting IG Kanja

"While you demonstrate, we urge you to remain peaceful and vigilant."

In Summary

• The notification from the Police comes ahead of Tuesday's planned protests across the country.

• He called on the protesters to cooperate and coordinate with the police to ensure safety.

Acting Inspector General Douglas Kanja addresses the media outside Jogoo House on July 14, 2024.
Acting Inspector General Douglas Kanja addresses the media outside Jogoo House on July 14, 2024.
Image: EZEKIEL AMING'A

Acting Inspector General Douglas Kanja has warned youth planning to hold peaceful demonstrations that criminal gangs plan to infiltrate their protests.

In a statement on Tuesday, Kanja said they have received credible information that these goons plan to disrupt the peaceful protests.

"This morning, we received credible intelligence indicating that certain organised criminal groups have planned to infiltrate, disrupt and destabilise the peaceful nature of the demonstrations, which could potentially jeopardise the safety of demonstrators," he said.

The Acting IG urged those who will take part in the demos to remain peaceful and vigilant during the process.

He called on the protesters to cooperate and coordinate with the police to ensure safety.

Kanja said this is the only way they can ensure their safety and security.

"To reiterate; our mission as the National Police Service is to uphold the rule of law; serve and protect; maintain law and order; and ensure that every Kenyan enjoys their constitutional rights."

The notification from the Police comes on the very day youths are expected to protest across the country.

Last month's protests saw a lot of deaths, injuries and destruction of property across the country.

Data from authorities placed the deaths at 25, with over 400 injuries including 43 police officers and the destruction of businesses and property running into billions.

Human rights organisations, however, say that the number of deaths could be upwards of 40.

WATCH: The latest videos from the Star