DCI Intensifies Crackdown as Politicians Linked to Alleged Plot to Disrupt June 25 Memorial Protests

DCI Intensifies Crackdown as Politicians Linked to Alleged Plot to Disrupt June 25 Memorial Protests

The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has arrested several suspects and launched investigations into politicians accused of mobilising criminal gangs to infiltrate and disrupt the June 25 memorial protests, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has revealed.

The developments come as Kenya braces for nationwide demonstrations marking the anniversary of the 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests, which left scores of young people dead and sparked one of the most significant youth-led political movements in the country’s recent history.

Speaking during a press briefing at Harambee House on Wednesday evening, Murkomen said security agencies had gathered intelligence indicating that certain political actors were allegedly recruiting and financing groups of youths to cause violence, loot businesses, and create unrest during the planned commemorations.

According to the Cabinet Secretary, the DCI has already apprehended several individuals believed to be linked to the alleged scheme, while investigations continue to identify and prosecute those behind the operation.

“It has come to our attention that some political actors have planned to use the protests for their political campaigns and are hell-bent on mobilising goons, gangs and criminals armed with crude weapons to cause mayhem by attacking businesses and innocent civilians,” Murkomen said.

The CS revealed that intelligence reports pointed to organised efforts to transport youths from various parts of the Nairobi Metropolitan region with the intention of infiltrating otherwise peaceful demonstrations.

Politicians Under Investigation

While Murkomen declined to name the politicians under investigation, he indicated that one prominent political figure was suspected of orchestrating the mobilisation exercise while publicly discouraging Kenyans from participating in the demonstrations.

According to the Interior Ministry, investigators are examining claims that some political actors may be employing reverse psychology by warning against protests while allegedly facilitating disruptions behind the scenes.

“Those who are insinuating that the government is working with goons are trying to blame the government and the police for violence while creating a narrative that the state plans to plant criminals among demonstrators,” Murkomen stated.

The Cabinet Secretary argued that such tactics were intended to create confusion, trigger confrontations, and ultimately shift blame to security agencies.

The remarks have emerged amid heightened political tensions ahead of the June 25 memorial events, which are expected to attract thousands of participants across major towns and cities.

Gachagua’s Warning Adds to Debate

Murkomen’s comments come days after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged young people to avoid participating in the demonstrations.

Speaking from his Wamunyoro residence earlier this week, Gachagua claimed he had received intelligence suggesting that violence could erupt during the protests.

He further advised residents in Nairobi, Mount Kenya, Kajiado, and Narok to remain indoors, describing the regions as potential hotspots.

The government has neither confirmed nor endorsed the claims made by the former Deputy President.

However, security officials have maintained that peaceful demonstrators will be protected and allowed to exercise their constitutional rights.

Security Agencies Promise Protection

Murkomen reiterated that the government fully recognises the constitutional right to peaceful assembly and protest.

At the same time, he warned that anyone found carrying weapons or engaging in criminal activity would face immediate arrest regardless of political affiliation.

“Any person found armed on the streets during the demonstrations will face the full force of the law. It does not matter who hired them or who they are working for,” he warned.

The Cabinet Secretary also reminded police officers to uphold professionalism while managing crowds and protecting peaceful protesters.

Earlier this week, Murkomen instructed law enforcement officers to facilitate lawful demonstrations while preventing criminal elements from exploiting the gatherings.

Opposition Divided Ahead of Memorial

The planned commemorations have also exposed divisions within opposition ranks.

The Linda Mwananchi faction announced that it would suspend planned political rallies in order to participate in the June 25 memorial activities.

The group, associated with Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna and like-minded leaders, postponed grassroots meetings scheduled for Kisii and Keroka to allow members to join nationwide commemorations honouring victims of the 2024 Gen Z protests.

As Kenya approaches the anniversary, security agencies remain on high alert, with authorities insisting that peaceful remembrance activities will be protected while any attempts to incite violence or disrupt public order will be dealt with decisively.

“We will safeguard the rights of peaceful protesters while ensuring criminals do not hijack the occasion,” Murkomen said, as preparations for the highly anticipated memorial entered their final stages.

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DCI Intensifies Crackdown as Politicians Linked to Alleged Plot to Disrupt June 25 Memorial Protests