Nairobi Regional Police Commander Isa Mohamud has said security agencies have not received any formal notification regarding the planned June 25 demonstrations.
Speaking after a meeting with senior police officers at the DCI Academy in Nairobi on Wednesday, Mohamud said authorities had only become aware of the planned activities through online discussions and social media campaigns.
“We have not received any official communication regarding the demonstrations. What we are seeing is information circulating on social media,” he said.
His remarks come as anticipation builds around the planned commemoration, which has been championed by Gen Z activists seeking to honour victims of previous protests and push for greater accountability on governance and economic concerns.
While the police commander did not declare the planned gatherings unlawful, he stressed that law enforcement officers would act against any form of criminal conduct.
Mohamud emphasized that constitutional freedoms must be exercised within the confines of the law, warning that acts such as looting, destruction of property and other forms of violence would not be tolerated. He further appealed to residents to remain peaceful and cooperate with security agencies as authorities continue to monitor the situation.
The police commander also urged parents and guardians to caution their children against travelling to Nairobi’s central business district during the planned activities, noting that officers have been deployed to maintain public order and respond to any security threats that may arise.
Even as police maintain they have not been formally notified, organisers of the anniversary events insist that the required communication was made.
Last week, a team of lawyers led by Siaya Governor James Orengo met senior police officials and informed them of plans to mark the day. According to the organisers, part of the programme includes a symbolic march to Parliament to lay flowers in memory of those who lost their lives during the 2024 and 2025 protests.
The organisers have also encouraged Kenyans who do not wish to participate in public activities to remain at home, a position that has been rejected by government officials, who insist that normal operations should continue across the country.
Meanwhile, security agencies have heightened vigilance in Nairobi and other urban centres ahead of Thursday’s events.
Anti-riot officers have reportedly been deployed to areas considered potential flashpoints, while reports have also emerged of arrests involving some individuals linked to the mobilisation efforts.
As the country approaches a date that carries deep political and emotional significance for many Kenyans, attention now turns to whether the commemorations will proceed peacefully.
The coming hours are expected to test the balance between the constitutional right to assemble and the responsibility of authorities to maintain public safety, with both government officials and civil society groups closely watching developments.
