Who informed who? Boniface Mwangi, police differ on June 25 protest notice

Rights activists and police have offered conflicting accounts over the status of Thursday's Gen Z memorial marches, with organisers insisting they formally notified authorities of the planned demonstrations while police maintain they did not receive any notice.

Activists and families of victims of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests said they notified the National Police Service (NPS) of the nationwide memorial demonstrations on June 18.

Activist Boniface Mwangi claimed a letter informing police of the planned peaceful marches was delivered to Police Spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga during a meeting at Jogoo House in Nairobi.

According to Mwangi, five lawyers delivered the letter notifying the NPS that Kenyans would hold memorial marches across the country on June 25 to mark the second anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z protests.

Mwangi shared a video on X, which he said showed the letter being handed over to police officials.

Here is the video we recorded as the letter was handed over in the presence of former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, former Justice Minister and Senior Counsel Martha Karua, Professor of Law and Senior Counsel Kivutha Kibwana, Senior Counsel Gitobu Imanyara and Senior Counsel James Orengo," he said.

The claims came a day after Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said police had not received any formal notification regarding planned demonstrations in Nairobi or neighbouring counties.

"We have not received any formal notification from any quarters in all the police stations within Nairobi and the neighbouring counties. That means we are not aware of anything. So I appeal to parents to restrain their children from coming to town and doing unlawful activities. That will be dealt with," he said.

Police spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga also said security agencies would take action against anyone found acting outside the law and urged Kenyans to remain law-abiding.

Despite the police position, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said peaceful demonstrations are protected under the constitution, but warned that criminal activities, destruction of property and violence would not be tolerated.

Mwangi maintained that police had sufficient notice to prepare for the demonstrations and ensure the safety of participants.

He said law enforcement agencies had a responsibility to protect protesters, businesses and members of the public, while preventing criminal elements from infiltrating the demonstrations.

"It is the duty of the police to protect lives and property for all and to arrest criminals. If any goons appear today and are not arrested, we shall know who they are working for," he said.