A dispute has emerged between security officials and protest organisers in Mombasa ahead of planned June 25 demonstrations commemorating victims of 2024/2025 anti-government protests.
Mombasa County Commissioner Mohamed Noor said authorities had not received the mandatory notice required under the law to facilitate the demonstrations, warning that any protest conducted without proper notification would be considered unlawful.
According to Mohamed, organisers are required to provide at least three days' notice before holding a public demonstration to allow security agencies to make adequate preparations.
"Today is June 23, and we have not received any notice regarding the demonstrations. When organisers notify us, we are able to plan security arrangements and determine the routes they intend to use. This helps prevent criminals from infiltrating the protests and damaging property,” he said.
The county commissioner cited last year's demonstrations, saying security agencies had been able to prepare effectively after receiving prior notification, allowing protests to proceed in a more organised manner.
However, protest organisers insisted that the required notices had already been submitted.
Human rights activist Hussein Khalid said organisers delivered protest notices to police authorities last week on behalf of all 47 counties.
"We presented the notices in Nairobi to avoid situations where authorities claim they were not informed in certain areas. The notice issued in Nairobi was sufficient, and a notice was also submitted here in Mombasa."
Hussein maintained that the commemorative events would proceed on Thursday as planned and urged participants to remain peaceful.
He revealed that organisers had held discussions with security officials in Mombasa, during which they appealed to police officers not to use excessive force against demonstrators.
"Mombasa was a good example last year because there was no violence. We want the commemorations to remain peaceful," he said.
Hussein also raised concerns over the lack of accountability for officers accused of killing protesters during previous demonstrations.
"The officers linked to those killings are still walking free without any action being taken. That is something we do not want to see repeated," he said.
Activist Walid Sketty said Mombasa is expected to witness a major turnout during the Gen Z memorial march, which he said is aimed at honouring victims and demanding justice.
Walid said the organisers had submitted their notification letter at the Central Police Station in Mombasa before the planned demonstrations.
"We expect a big demonstration in Mombasa. This is a Gen Z memorial, and one of the reasons we are coming out is to ensure these heroes get justice," he said.
The organisers urged security officers to respect the right to peaceful assembly, arguing that it is the responsibility of police to maintain law and order.
They accused some officers of escalating tensions during past demonstrations by using tear gas, saying such actions often turn peaceful protests into confrontations.
The activists called on security agencies to avoid creating fear among the public and instead focus on dealing with individuals accused of causing violence during previous protests.
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