Top police bosses have been summoned to appear before the administration and national security committee in Parliament ahead of the planned protests scheduled for tomorrow.
This move comes as tension continues to rise across the country, with many Kenyans saying they are ready to take to the streets despite warnings from the government.
The committee, led by Chairperson Nelson Koech Tongoyi, wants the police leadership to explain how they are prepared to handle the protests and to make sure that the chaos witnessed during last year’s June 25th demonstrations does not happen again.
According to a report published by the People Daily on Tuesday, the committee is particularly concerned about public safety, respect for the right to demonstrate, and how the National Police Service will balance order with freedom of expression.
There is growing fear that excessive force could be used again, especially after several past protests ended with unnecessary violence and even loss of lives.
The committee wants a clear strategy from the police bosses on how they plan to ensure that citizens are protected and that property is not damaged during the protests.
At the same time, government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura issued a statement saying there would be no protests and asked all Kenyans to report to work as usual. His statement was seen by many as a way of intimidating people and trying to stop them from exercising their constitutional rights.
But the reaction from the public was swift and strong. Many Kenyans took to social media, saying that no amount of threats or police presence would stop them from coming out to protest.
Online, Kenyans expressed disappointment with the government’s continued efforts to silence dissent. Some questioned why Mwaura was trying to block peaceful protests when the Constitution clearly allows it.
Others pointed out that the government seemed more focused on stopping citizens than listening to their concerns. Hashtags demanding accountability, justice, and better leadership started trending, with thousands of users vowing to show up in the streets no matter what the government says.
While police bosses prepare to defend their strategies before Parliament, ordinary Kenyans are preparing to demand their rights. The coming hours will reveal whether the government is ready to listen to the people or if it will once again respond with fear and force. All eyes are now on both the police and the streets.
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