Nairobi Regional Police Commander Issa Mohamud has described this year's Saba Saba demonstrations in the capital as largely peaceful, revealing that only 10 people were arrested as police enforced security measures across the city.
Addressing the press after the protests on Tuesday, Mohamud said the arrests were made in two areas of Nairobi, with six suspects apprehended in Pangani and four others within the Central Police Station jurisdiction. He said those arrested were being processed as investigations continue.
"The conduct of the public today has reaffirmed that Kenya remains a nation guided by order, unity and mutual respect. We apprehended only 10 people-six in the Pangani area and four within the Central Police Station," Mohamud said.
He praised members of the public for conducting themselves peacefully during the demonstrations, saying the calm witnessed in many parts of the city allowed normal activities to continue.
According to the regional police commander, a large number of businesses remained open despite concerns over possible disruption linked to the annual protests.
"As you can see, about 80 per cent of businesses remained open until this time," he said.
Mohamud said the peaceful conduct displayed by most demonstrators reflected respect for the Constitution and the rule of law. He reiterated that Kenyans have a constitutional right to assemble, demonstrate and picket, but emphasized that the freedoms should always be exercised within the limits provided by the law.
"The right to assemble, demonstrate and picket is guaranteed under the Constitution and must be exercised in accordance with the Constitution," he said.
While acknowledging the peaceful nature of the demonstrations, Mohamud warned against individuals who exploit protests to engage in criminal activities. He said police would not tolerate acts such as vandalism, looting or destruction of property during public demonstrations.
"There must be order. If you love your country, you should uphold peace. Lakini kama unatafuta pesa kwa NGOs kuharibu mali ya watu, hiyo hatutakubali," he said.
The police commander also dismissed claims that officers were involved in abductions during the protests, maintaining that the National Police Service carries out its duties within the law.
"And we don't do abductions, we are police officers. The whole day, we have been here," Mohamud said.
The Saba Saba protests are held every year to mark the July 7, 1990 pro-democracy movement, which played a key role in Kenya's push for political reforms and the introduction of multiparty democracy.
In Nairobi, security officers maintained a heavy presence in key locations throughout the day as demonstrators marched through sections of the city. Police monitored the protests to maintain public order and prevent incidents of violence, looting or destruction of property.
Mohamud said police would continue reviewing the events of the day as investigations into the 10 arrests progress. He maintained that security agencies remain committed to protecting both the constitutional rights of citizens and public safety during demonstrations.
The regional police commander urged Kenyans to continue exercising their rights peacefully and within the law, saying cooperation between the public and security agencies remains important in ensuring demonstrations are conducted without violence or damage to property.