Northern Kenya

Police boss calls for peaceful protests, assures security

Isiolo County Police Commander Moses Mutisya speaks to journalists at his office in Isiolo town. (Photo: Waweru Wairimu)

By Waweru Wairimu | Wednesday, June 26, 2024

Some activists have demanded arrest and prosecution of the police officers who used live bullets on the protesters.

Isiolo County Police Commander Moses Mutisya has implored Gen Z and Millennials who will take to the streets on Thursday to maintain peace so that a scenario like the one witnessed during Tuesday's demonstrations in Isiolo town does not recur.

Tuesday's protests under hashtag #OccupyParliament were largely peaceful until some youths pelted stones at police vehicles and lit tyres along the Isiolo-Moyale highway paralysing transport along the road.

Keep reading

Eight suspects were arrested, six people were shot, three officers were injured and four police vehicles' windshields shattered following running battles between police officers and protesters which lasted for more than an hour before normalcy resumed in the town.

Mutisya said the security team would ensure the utmost safety of the demonstrators while exercising their constitutional rights but warned them against infringing on other people's rights and freedom.

"We are committed to protecting the demonstrators and properties against vandalism. I appeal to all who intend to join the protests to observe the laid down rules," the police boss assured.

Security officers from various police units such as General Service Unit and Rapid Deployment Unit have also been mobilised to provide security during the protests and help address any emerging issues.

The police boss further revealed that a probe was underway to establish if the violence was perpetrated by another group said to have joined the protesters during the peaceful procession.

There are claims that the youths were paid to infiltrate and cause mayhem during the demonstrations.

This is as police officers remain under fire over the use of live bullets during Thursday's protests with residents and activists saying there was no justification to use excessive force on unarmed protesters.

Some activists have demanded arrest and prosecution of the police officers who used live bullets on the protesters.