Police warn of plot by goons to infiltrate 'Nane Nane' demos

Acting Police Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli has warned that the planned anti-government demonstrations slated for Thursday, dubbed '#NaneNaneMarch' could be infiltrated by goons, threatening the country's security.

Speaking during a press address on Wednesday, Masengeli highlighted that intelligence reports had pointed to the same, insisting that officers will not hesitate to engage the marauders.

“The initial demonstrations held in June were peaceful but subsequent protests morphed into riots, with looters destroying and stealing property,” he said.

“Our intelligence reports indicate that there are security threats to the country with criminals planning to infiltrate tomorrow's demonstrations and commit further crimes. In anticipation, we have ensured adequate deployment of personnel."

While urging members of the public to exercise vigilance during the protests, Masengeli likewise cautioned protesters against trespassing on protected land like the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and State House.

"All those planning to exercise their rights of participation in the protests should do so in compliance with the law," he said.

"Kenya (as a) country is all we have. Every one of us therefore has a responsibility to keep our country safe."

Speaking at Embakasi Administration Police Training College (APTC) on Tuesday after talks with regional police bosses, Masengeli had intimated that security will be heightened across the country though not to an extent that is out of the ordinary.

According to sources who spoke to Citizen Digital, the discussions also centred on the operational and logistical challenges facing officers in their jurisdictions and how to address them to ensure efficiency within the NPS.

The meeting also gave Masengeli the opportunity to interact for the first time with his ground commanders as he seeks to affirm his brief grip on the Service before a substantive IG of police is appointed.