Acting Police Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli has warned that the protests slated for Thursday, August 8, known as NaneNaneMarch, could be infiltrated by goons.
The police boss said the protests will threaten the country’s security.
Masengeli, speaking during a press conference, said police will deal with criminals who will cause chaos during the demonstrations.
“The initial demonstrations held in June were peaceful but subsequent protests morphed into riots, with looters destroying and stealing property,”
“Our intelligence reports indicate that there are security threats to the country with criminals planning to infiltrate tomorrow’s demonstrations and commit further crimes. In anticipation, we have ensured adequate deployment of personnel.” He said.
The Acting IG also warned protesters from entering protected facilities like State House and Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA).
“All those planning to exercise their rights of participation in the protests should do so in compliance with the law,” he said.
Masengeli took over as acting IG after Embattled Police Inspector General Japhet Koome resigned from the service.
State House, in a statement, announced that President William Ruto has accepted the resignation.
“His Excellency Hon William Samoei Ruto, PhD, CGH, President and Commander in Chief of the Defence Forces, has on this 12th day of July, 2024, accepted the resignation of Eng. Japheth N. Koome, MGH, as the Inspector General of the National Police Service.” The statement read.
