Murkomen contradicts police on demos, traders appeal for peace
National
By
Pkemoi Ng'enoh
| Jun 25, 2026
Plans for the Gen Z anniversary protests in Nairobi were shrouded in confusion on Wednesday, with police and the Interior Cabinet Secretary issuing conflicting statements.
Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud said police had not received any formal notification of the planned demonstrations, insisting that any gathering without prior notice would be illegal.
“We have not received any form of notification across all police stations in Nairobi County and the neighbouring counties. That means we are not aware of the alleged commemoration that is expected to take place on Thursday,” Mohamud said.
While acknowledging that Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly, demonstration and picketing, the police boss said the exercise must be conducted in accordance with the Public Order Act.
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But on Wednesday evening, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kicphumba Murkomen issued a statement clarifying that the security agencies had received notification from some Kenyans asking to hold the protest, adding that police will be deployed to maintain peace.
“We call upon the organisation and the protesters to carry out their conduct within the confines of the law, ensuring they remain peaceful and unarmed,” Murkomen said
The CS said they had gathered reports that some politicians were planning to hijack the protest through mobilising goons but the police were alert adding that those who will cause mayhem would be dealt with accordingly.
However, traders in the city centre, one of the protest hotspots, said they were ready to protect their businesses from goons who have been targeting shops during protests.
Francis Gachanja, the secretary general of the Traders Association, appealed to protesters to be peaceful.
“We are asking the police to provide security and not to accompany the goons like we saw during past protests, “ Gachanja said
“Traders have all along been peaceful, only that police are the ones who trigger the battles by throwing teargas at protestors,” he added
Daniel Macharia, the secretary general of mobile phone importers, said they will support peaceful protests.
“What we are against are those who are sponsored to come and break into out shops,” said Macharia.
He added: “We are ready to protect our businesses by all means because whatever we have in the shops was obtained through sweat, not looting.”
Matatu operators said it will be business as usual in the city, warning anyone against interfering in their operations. Matatu Owners Association chairperson Albert Karakacha said the safety and well-being of passengers, transport workers, vehicles, businesses and the public were their priority. “While we are aware of concerns regarding possible disruptions, we encourage all matatu owners, drivers, crew, and staff to remain calm, exercise restraint, and continue providing transport services responsibly and professionally,” Karakacha said.
“MOA strongly condemns all forms of violence, vandalism, arson, looting, and destruction of property,” he added.
Boda boda operators under various umbrellas, including Kenya Boda-boda Association, Digital Boda Drivers and Deliveries and Boda-boda International Management Services, said their motorcycles will not be used by goons.
“We assure the public that boda boda services will continue as usual and that our members will remain committed to supporting the movement of people, goods, and essential services across the country,” they stated in a statement.
Makadara MP George Aladwa asked ODM supporters not to join the protests.
“As ODM leaders in Nairobi, we are firmly opposed to these demonstrations because they do not offer any practical solutions to the challenges facing our people. What Nairobi residents need today is peace, jobs, businesses opportunities, and development, not chaos, fear and destruction,” Aladwa said.