Police warn traders against hiring goons as guards ahead of June 25 protests, say it's illegal

The National Police Service has warned Kenyans against hiring youths to 'protect' businesses during protests, stressing that only police are legally authorised to provide security.

Speaking in an interview on Monday, Police Spokesperson Michael Muchiri said the practice is unlawful and warned that anyone involved risks arrest for interfering with public order.

“Those saying that they are protecting their business should stop. There is no law that gives citizens the right to hire people to protect their businesses,” Muchiri said.

He noted that the police are the only institution legally tasked with protecting life and property, and warned that young people hired to offer protection services during protests were exposing themselves to serious legal consequences.

“Any youth being asked to show up in the protests and protect businesses should know that they are breaching the law to the highest degree,” he said.

His remarks follow last week's protests, which saw goons allegedly sent by political figures pose as business protectors.

Mugging demonstrators

Although the stated intention was to prevent destruction and looting, circulating videos showed the hired groups armed with batons, mugging demonstrators and breaking into shops within the Nairobi central business district.

Muchiri confirmed that police are investigating the violent incidents by reviewing CCTV footage and other video evidence, warning that arrests are imminent.

“After analysing the videos, we have seen that people will start getting arrested. We will go for those who came out to say that they are protecting businesses. Any act that has breached the law shall not happen again,” he said.

The police spokesperson acknowledged public discontent but urged Kenyans to protest peacefully, stressing that grievances against the government do not justify acts of lawlessness.

“It is important to uphold peace and ensure that Kenya remains steadfast. The protests we have had are a lesson to us and we shall use them as a learning curve to inform our conduct in future,” Muchiri said.

He further appealed to the public to treat police officers with respect, saying that recent rogue incidents do not reflect the entire force.

“We are also human beings. We urge Kenyans to kindly give our officers the respect they deserve. The unlawful incidents we have witnessed do not represent who we are as the police force,” he said.

Mwaura downplays protests

Meanwhile, Government Spokesperson Isaac Mwaura has downplayed the planned nationwide demonstrations on June 25, insisting the day will proceed like any other and warned that no protests will be allowed.

“There will be no demonstrations on June 25. That day will be a normal working day,” Mwaura said in an interview on Monday.

He clarified that Kenyans are free to privately commemorate the anniversary of last year’s anti-government protests, but the government would not permit public assemblies or processions.

“Anyone who wishes to mark the day is free to do so, at home,” he said.

Mwaura was responding to growing calls from Gen Z activists who have declared June 25 a symbolic “public holiday” to honour victims of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests.

The opposition has also endorsed the day of remembrance.

The government spokesperson condemned what he described as the “criminal hijacking” of protests by rogue elements who use such events to incite violence and destruction.

“It is unacceptable for demonstrators to carry weapons, just as it is wrong for them to provoke or mock the police,” Mwaura said, urging protesters to act peacefully if they choose to participate.

He added that law enforcement must remain neutral and professional.

“The role of the police is to provide security for all Kenyans. They must act without political bias,” he said.

Nairobi Central OCPD Stephen Okal, who met with protest organisers, assured that police will provide sufficient protection during any lawful activities planned for June 25.