Police Beef Up Hotspot Security Ahead of June 25 Commemorations.

Senior police commanders across the country have been meeting over the past week to prepare for the June 25 anniversary of the 2024 Gen Z protests tied to the Finance Bill.

While police officials say they don’t expect major demonstrations, different units have continued planning to ensure swift responses if unrest breaks out.

At the General Service Unit headquarters, the newly appointed Commandant, Johana Tonui met with commanders who are set to be deployed to areas identified as security hotspots.The purpose is to stop troublemakers and prevent unauthorized access by individuals planning to lay flowers at sensitive sites during the commemorations.

Parliament was one of the most tense locations in 2024, when protesters breached the precinct shortly after Members of Parliament passed the Finance Bill. During the protests, more than 200 people were reported killed, and dozens more died during last year’s events marking the first anniversary.

Inspector-General of the National Police Service, Douglas Kanja also called commanders together to address the growing influence of criminal gangs. Speaking at a security summit at the National Police Leadership Academy, Kanja urged commanders to use policing approaches that are both efficient and flexible, making the best use of available resources to keep peace and security for all Kenyans, residents, and visitors.

Eunice Onyancha