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| Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja |
The National Police Service is concerned that Tuesday’s planned protests will be hijacked by criminals who are eager to cause anarchy in the country.
In a statement Tuesday morning, the Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja indicated that intelligence reports have confirmed that some groups are planning to take advantage of Kenyans who want to protest peacefully to carry out their criminal activities.
“This morning, we received credible intelligence indicating that certain organized 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
He assured the country that the police would be out to ensure Kenyans exercise their right to protest peacefully while also making sure that bad elements do not capitalize on good intentions by Kenyans who want to air their grievances as guaranteed in the constitution.
“While you demonstrate, we urge you to remain peaceful and vigilant. Please collaborate, cooperate, and coordinate with the police to ensure your safety and our collective security as Kenyans are guaranteed during the event,” he said
The acting IG urged protesters to work with the police as they go about their demonstrations noting that the police are there to ensure law and order is maintained. He further assured the police would be at hand to ensure sad events of the last couple of weeks were not witnessed.
“In the recent past, however, we have regrettably witnessed the tragic loss of lives, injuries, violence, criminal conduct, and the destruction of property from similar protests, resulting in the collective pain and suffering for families and the disruption of business and normal working operations for thousands of Kenyans,” he said
By Eric Biegon