Barely two weeks after assuming the most integral police position in the country, the acting Police Inspector General appears bold, composed, and subservient to constitutional confines. Even as the Gen Z-led protests are about to hit the headlines again, the police have affirmed their commitment to protecting the peaceful protesters at any cost.
A fresh set of demonstrations is about to rock the country again, following close to two months of protest that almost crumbled the pillars of President Ruto’s regime. The youthful protests appear to be the most unique to this ever, as Gen Z’s have crafted their way out to navigate the rifts that come with protesting in a country where brutality is still a hot soup.
The #NaneNanemarch-dubbed demonstrations are about to shake the anchors of the political class again. Kicking off on Thursday morning in Kenya and a section of the diaspora country, the protests are set to demonstrate discontent with Ruto’s response to the previous demands, which he made pathetically, according to the protesters.
Already, the police have come out strong to showcase their stamina as the day approaches, with only peaceful protests carrying placards, whistles, and cellphones expected in the streets. Sources disclosed to CitizenTV reveal that the police body is rippled by the logistical shortage.
The acting police boss, Masengeli, who was addressing the regional police bosses, affirmed that the police are ready and security will be heightened across the country, as reported by the media house. But the inadequate logistical needs could dwindle their ability to carry out the orders efficiently.
Masengeli urged the protesters to act within the constitutional confines, even as they seek to have their grievances addressed accordingly.
“Every Kenya, as per the law, has the liberty to demonstrate, picket, and assemble. Where the privilege of the rights of one ends is where the others start. We are all Kenyans, and we have to abide by the rule of law,” said the acting IG.
The police are already in the spotlight over their excessive use of power to counter protests. But the police have blamed the trails of destruction witnessed in the previous demonstrations on infiltrators.
Previous protests have seen the overstretching laces of businesses meddling and looting by the goons who took advantage of the protests. But the question is, are they going to manage both the protection businesses and lives?
