Acting Police Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli, accompanied by senior police commanders, addresses the media at the National Police Service Campus in Embakasi on Tuesday, August 6, 2024. IMAGE: Handout
In Summary:
- Acting Police Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli affirms police readiness for upcoming Gen Z protests while emphasizing the right to peaceful demonstration.
- Masengeli uses the opportunity to engage with ground commanders and discuss broader security challenges facing the country.
Acting Police Inspector General (IG) Gilbert Masengeli has assured the public of the National Police Service’s preparedness for the upcoming “Nane Nane” protests scheduled for Thursday.
Speaking at Embakasi Administration Police Training College after meeting with regional police bosses, Masengeli stated, “On matters ‘nanenane’ we are just talking about the general security.”
Masengeli acknowledged the message of the Gen Z protesters but emphasized the need to distinguish between genuine demonstrators and opportunists.
He said, “It is upon us now to differentiate between Gen Zs and opportunists who take advantage of those riots to cause mayhem, destruction of property and acts of violence that are not allowed by the Law.”
While affirming citizens’ rights to protest, Masengeli urged demonstrators to adhere to the law, stating, “Every Kenyan, as per the law, has the liberty to demonstrate, picket and assemble. Where the privilege of the rights of one ends, is where the other starts.”
The meeting, titled “National Security Situation – Challenges, Opportunities and Strategies,” allowed Masengeli to address pressing security issues including civil unrest, cybercrime, and terrorism.
It also provided an opportunity for him to interact with ground commanders as he establishes his leadership in the interim period before a permanent IG is appointed.
Masengeli emphasized the importance of collaboration within the criminal justice system, saying, “I wish to reaffirm our commitment as a service to partnering with other criminal justice system agencies including the Judiciary, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Kenya Prisons Service and the wider National Council on Administration of Justice umbrella.”
Recognizing the complex nature of modern policing, Masengeli encouraged officers to rethink their approach to current challenges and ensure all decisions are made within the bounds of the law.