Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda addressing the press on June 18, 2025. /SCREENGRABNairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda has assured Kenyans of adequate security during the upcoming June 25 demonstrations to mark the first anniversary of the 2024 Occupy Parliament protests.
Addressing journalists during a press briefing on Wednesday, June 18, Seda said police had put in place “enhanced plans” to ensure both demonstrators and the general public remain safe during the commemorative events scheduled across the capital.
“For the 25th, we have got what we call enhanced plans for that,” he said, confirming that authorities had received a formal notification about the planned protests.
“The letter that was delivered to the central police station, we are equally having that copy of their intents.”
Organisers of the protest, which include a coalition of Gen Z activists and the United Opposition led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, say the day will be marked by peaceful rallies and candlelight vigils in memory of Kenyans killed during the Occupy Parliament protests last year.
On Tuesday, June 25, 2024, angry demonstrators stormed Parliament buildings shortly after MPs passed the highly controversial Finance Bill, 2024, which proposed a raft of new taxes.
Commander Seda urged demonstrators to remain peaceful and avoid actions that could lead to confrontations with police or disruption of businesses and public services.
“What I would like to urge the public is, let’s restrict ourselves to what we call peaceful demonstrations,” he said.
“Let’s not have demonstrations that are going to interfere with other people who may not be part of the demonstrators. Remember, it will be a working day; we will have other people operating shops, hotels and even at bus stages.”
Seda warned that violent conduct during protests not only undermines the objective of peaceful assembly but also escalates tensions, which may provoke unnecessary confrontations.
“We look uncivilised when we converge and continue (to protest) and the demonstrations turn violent. It beats logic of conducting it. This is what makes the situation to become worse – they (protesters) become reactive, and some go to rough up the officers who are armed. Provocative,” he added.
“We are not there to be at war with you, the public. We are there just to provide safety. We shall provide enough and good security. We have plans we have drawn to ensure every other person who is going to participate and even those who are not participating will be safe.”
His assurance comes amid growing public distrust of the National Police Service following a spike in allegations of police brutality.
The NPS has come under intense scrutiny after the death of Albert Ojwang’, a tearcher and blogger who died in police custody at Central Police Station on June 8.
He had reportedly posted defamatory content against then-Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat, who later stepped aside to allow independent investigations.
Ojwang’s death triggered widespread outrage, with civil society groups and youth-led movements calling for justice and police accountability.
Protests held in Nairobi on Tuesday, June 17, to condemn his killing were marred by further violence when an anti-riot officer shot a face mask vendor in the head at close range on Moi Avenue.
The incident, captured on video, further fueled calls for sweeping reforms within the police service.
Human rights watchdogs have accused police of excessive use of force during public demonstrations and called for the prosecution of officers involved in unlawful killings and assaults.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (Ipoa) has since launched investigations into both incidents.
The planned June 25 protests are expected to draw thousands of mostly youthful demonstrators under the Gen Z banner, many of whom were at the forefront of last year’s dramatic Occupy Parliament movement.
That protest, which began as an online campaign against what planners termed as punitive taxation, quickly evolved into one of the most vocal and daring youth-led civil actions in recent Kenyan history.
The United Opposition has thrown its weight behind this year’s commemorations, with Kalonzo announcing plans to light candles in honour of those who lost their lives during last year’s protest.
As tensions build ahead of the anniversary, Seda called for mutual respect between police and demonstrators.
“We are not enemies. We are there to make sure you are secure,” he said.
“Peace is the foundation. Let’s not forget why we are commemorating. Let’s do it in a way that gives dignity to the lives lost.”
He concluded by reiterating that the police will continue to monitor the situation and act in line with the constitution and the law, while ensuring the rights of peaceful assembly and expression are respected.
