On Thursday, acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli announced that police arrested 174 individuals nationwide during the Nane Nane anti-government protests.
Speaking at Jogoo House in Nairobi, Masengeli reported low turnout at protests across the country, with minimal incidents of looting and property damage.
“Unlike previous demonstrations marred by extensive property damage, looting, injuries, and loss of life, today the nation remained largely peaceful. Normalcy prevailed except in Nairobi, where one officer sustained injuries,” stated the acting Police IG.
Minor disturbances were reported in Downtown Nairobi, Kisii, and Migori towns, where officers successfully prevented individuals from looting property. Masengeli further noted several arrests in Nairobi, Kitengela, and Emali for attempts to disrupt public order.
“In total, we arrested 174 suspects—126 in Nairobi, 22 in Kitengela (Rift Valley), and 26 in Emali (Makueni County),” Masengeli detailed.
He emphasized that the organizers of the Nane Nane protests failed to notify the authorities as required by law. However, police were prepared, deploying personnel effectively based on prior intelligence to prevent chaos.
Masengeli acknowledged the constitutional right to peaceful assembly, as guaranteed under Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya, 2010. Despite the organizers' failure to notify the police, security forces were deployed to ensure public safety, and the public was advised to avoid potential hotspots.
The previous day, Masengeli warned that violent elements threatening national security could infiltrate the protests. He highlighted that initial protests in June were peaceful, but subsequent demonstrations escalated into riots, resulting in property damage and theft.
He urged the public to remain vigilant and warned protesters against trespassing in protected areas like the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and State House.
