- The police boss said officers will not hesitate to engage individuals who will be out to cause chaos.
- Masengeli said past protests have been peaceful before they were infiltrated by goons.
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Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli has warned that the planned anti-government demonstrations slated for Thursday could be infiltrated by goons.
He said the infiltration of criminal elements in the Gen Z-led protests dubbed 'NaneNaneMarch' is a threat to the country's security.
Masengeli, however, said they have mobilised enough security personnel to deal with any eventualities.
“Already, our intelligence reports indicate that there are heightened security threats to the country, with criminals planning to infiltrate tomorrow’s demonstrations and commit further crimes," he said.
"In anticipation, we have ensured adequate deployment of security personnel. However, members of public are advised to take extra caution while in crowded areas that are likely to turn riotous,” he added.
Masengeli spoke at his office where he briefed the media on their plans to handle the planned protests.
The police boss said Kenyans are at liberty to demonstrate peacefully but officers will not hesitate to engage individuals who will be out to cause chaos.
Masengeli said whereas citizens have rights to demonstrate and hold public processions, Article 24 (1) (d) of the constitution calls for “the need to ensure that the enjoyment of rights and fundamental freedoms by any individual does not prejudice the rights andfundamental freedoms of others”.
“In brief, all those planning to exercise their rights of participating in public demonstrations, presenting petitions or assembling should do so in compliance with the attendant laws.”
Masengeli said past protests have been peaceful before they were infiltrated by goons.
“The initial demonstrations held in June were peaceful but subsequent protests morphed into riots, with looters destroying and stealing property,” he said.
While urging members of the public to exercise vigilance during the protests, Masengeli cautioned protesters against trespassing on protected areas like the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and State House.
"All those planning to exercise their right of participation in the protests should do so in compliance with the law," he said.
"Kenya (as a) country is all we have. Every one of us therefore has a responsibility to keep our country safe."
More protests are planned amid calls for dialogue to address the demands by those behind the civil disobedience.
On Tuesday, Masengeli intimated that security will be heightened across the country though not to an extent that is out of the ordinary.
Police have previously been condemned on how they handled the June protests which left more than 60 people dead and 400 wounded.
Most of the victims were killed by the police, human rights groups said.
Masengeli told police to remain focused on discharging their constitutional mandate of protecting life and property and maintaining law and order.
He told them to do so without fear or favour.