Gen Z protest illegal, Nairobi police boss says

The announcement followed a meeting of senior police commanders convened to discuss the anticipated Gen Z anniversary protests, during which security agencies vowed to enforce the law against any unlawful gatherings.

“Our role is to ensure compliance with the law. Anybody who breaches the law or acts outside it will be dealt with accordingly. We remind Kenyans that this is our country and whatever we do, the interests of the country must come first,” Mr Nyaga said.

Read: US, UK warn their citizens of Gen Z protests in Kenya

He added that police officers would be deployed to protect businesses and members of the public carrying out their daily activities.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud also issued a warning to individuals planning to stage demonstrations in the capital, insisting that authorities would not allow “illegal gatherings”.

“We have not received any form of notification across all police stations in Nairobi County and the neighbouring counties. That means we are not aware of the alleged commemoration that is expected to take place on Thursday,” Mr Mohamud said.

While acknowledging that Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, demonstration and picketing, Mr Mohamud said the exercise must be conducted in accordance with the Public Order Act.

“The Public Order Act requires organisers to issue a notification not less than three days and not more than 14 days before the event. This allows us to agree on the date, time, route and purpose of the demonstration, as well as put in place guidelines to avoid inconveniencing other members of the public. The right to demonstrate is not absolute and should not infringe on the rights of others,” he said.

He maintained that police were not expecting any demonstrations in Nairobi on Thursday.

Mr Mohamud noted that Nairobi suffered significant losses during previous demonstrations and warned that authorities would not tolerate a repeat of such incidents.

“We will not allow people to send their children to destroy other people's property or cause chaos. We will use all lawful means available to protect Kenyans and their property," he said.

Meanwhile, the Matatu Owners Association (MOA) assured passengers that public transport services would operate normally on Thursday.

MOA chairperson Albert Karakacha said operators had agreed to continue offering services after receiving assurances from the government that security would be maintained.

“The public transport sector remains committed to serving Kenyans and facilitating the movement of people and goods. Accordingly, matatu operations will continue as normal while respecting the constitutional rights of all citizens and prioritising public safety,” Mr Karakacha said.

Read: Skip protests, Gachagua tells Gen Zs

He added that the association would not allow its vehicles to be used to ferry criminals and urged those participating in demonstrations to do so peacefully.

“MOA strongly condemns all forms of violence, vandalism, arson, looting and destruction of property. The safety and wellbeing of passengers, transport workers, businesses and the public remain our foremost priority,” he said.

At the same time, the Kenya Boda-boda Riders and Owners Association and the Digital Boda Drivers and Deliveries Association of Kenya announced that their members would continue operating across the country.

Addressing journalists in Nairobi on Wednesday, Kenya Boda-boda Riders and Owners Association National Executive Chairperson, Charles Gichira, said the sector could not afford to suspend operations given the prevailing economic conditions.

‘The boda-boda industry remains one of the largest contributors to Kenya's economy, providing transport and delivery services while supporting millions of livelihoods directly and indirectly across the country. Every rider deserves respect, dignity and a safe working environment,” he said.

Mr Gichira added that members had been cautioned against allowing criminals to infiltrate the sector during the demonstrations.

Digital Boda Riders chairperson Calvince Okumu urged riders to remain calm and continue with their normal activities.

"We remember members of the boda-boda fraternity who lost their lives, sustained injuries, lost their motorcycles and sources of livelihood during previous unrest. Their experiences remind us of the importance of preserving peace, protecting life and promoting national cohesion," he said.

Separately, Nairobi ODM chairman and Makadara MP George Aladwa announced that ODM supporters in the capital would not participate in the demonstrations.

"As ODM leaders in Nairobi, we are firmly opposed to these demonstrations because they do not offer practical solutions to the challenges facing our people. What Nairobi residents need today is peace, jobs, business opportunities and development—not chaos, fear and destruction," he said.

The legislator reiterated that ODM remained committed to supporting President William Ruto's administration under the broad-based government arrangement.

The Rift Valley Council of Elders called for dialogue to prevent the country from descending into chaos, while throwing their support behind President William Ruto.

The elders condemned the destruction of property and urged protesters to embrace peaceful protest instead of resorting to chaotic demonstrations that have previously resulted in the loss of innocent lives.

“As elders we want peace to prevail and petition the youth to abstain from acts plunge our country into anarchy,” said James Koech, a member of Kalenjin council of elders.

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