DCI Arrests Suspects as Politicians Come Under Investigation Over Alleged Plot to Disrupt June 25 Memorial Protests
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested several suspects and launched investigations into politicians allegedly involved in plans to disrupt the June 25 memorial protests commemorating young Kenyans who lost their lives during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen revealed on Wednesday evening that security agencies had uncovered what he described as a coordinated effort by political actors to infiltrate the planned protests using hired gangs and criminal elements.
Speaking during a press briefing at Harambee House, Murkomen disclosed that a senior politician is among individuals under investigation for allegedly financing groups intended to hijack the demonstrations, which have been organised to honour victims of last year’s deadly anti-government protests.
According to the Interior CS, intelligence reports indicate that youths are being mobilised from various parts of the Nairobi Metropolitan area with the intention of causing chaos, targeting businesses and endangering innocent members of the public.
“It has come to our attention, however, that some political actors have planned to use the protests for their political campaigns and are hell-bent on mobilising goons, gangs and criminals with all manner of crude weapons to cause mayhem by attacking businesses and innocent civilians,” Murkomen stated.
Although he stopped short of naming specific individuals, the Cabinet Secretary suggested that one of the politicians currently under scrutiny had publicly discouraged Kenyans from participating in the protests while allegedly working behind the scenes to orchestrate disorder.
Murkomen accused some political leaders of employing what he termed “reverse psychology” by warning of violence while simultaneously preparing conditions that could lead to unrest.
“Those who are insinuating that the government is working with goons, including those who apply reverse psychology, are trying to blame the government and the police on matters of violence and to tell the public that the government is going to plant goons,” he said.
The remarks come amid heightened political tensions surrounding the June 25 memorial demonstrations. Earlier this week, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged Gen Z activists and other Kenyans to stay away from the protests, claiming he had received intelligence suggesting that violence could erupt during the commemorative events.
Speaking from his Wamunyoro residence on June 23, Gachagua warned that certain regions, including Nairobi, the Mount Kenya region, Kajiado and Narok counties, were at risk of experiencing unrest. He advised residents to remain indoors as a precautionary measure.
In response, Murkomen maintained that security agencies would remain vigilant and warned that anyone found carrying weapons or participating in criminal activities during the demonstrations would face legal consequences regardless of their political affiliations.
“We will not allow criminals to hide behind peaceful protests. Any individual found armed or engaging in acts of violence will be dealt with according to the law,” he said.
At the same time, the Interior CS reiterated the government’s commitment to safeguarding the constitutional right to peaceful assembly. Earlier, while addressing officers during a peace and security mission in Angata Barikoi, he directed police commanders to facilitate peaceful demonstrations and avoid actions that could escalate tensions.
The planned memorial protests have also exposed divisions within opposition circles. While some opposition leaders have expressed concerns over security risks, others have chosen to actively participate in the commemorations.
The Linda Mwananchi movement announced the cancellation of its scheduled political rallies in order to join the nationwide events honouring victims of the 2024 Gen Z anti-Finance Bill protests.
Similarly, a faction associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna postponed grassroots engagements that had been scheduled for Kisii and Keroka, moving the meetings from June 26 to July 3 to allow supporters and leaders to take part in the memorial activities.
As Kenya marks one year since the historic anti-Finance Bill demonstrations, security agencies remain on high alert, with authorities insisting that peaceful protesters will be protected while warning against attempts to exploit the occasion for political or criminal purposes.
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