The youth made the declaration during a press address in Nairobi on Wednesday, August 7, affirming that the protests will be the mother of all demonstrations in recent times.
A section of Kenyan youth led by outspoken political activist, Kasmuel McOure have termed the planned ‘Nane Nane’ protests on Thursday, August 8 as a final attempt in their quest to remove the Kenya Kwanza regime from power.
The youth made the declaration during a press address in Nairobi on Wednesday, August 7, affirming that the protests will be the mother of all demonstrations in recent times.
The defiant McOure vowed to mobilise the Kenyan youth to march towards State House during the protests where the youth – under the Gen Z banner – will aim to achieve their primary goal of removing President William Ruto from power for failing to address their grievances.
If we see unidentified men in civilian clothing, riding in government vehicles, we shall treat them as robbers- Kasmuel McOure to police ahead of #NaneNane protests@_KasKazini #ViralVideos pic.twitter.com/f87S8N3Ji1
— Viral Tea Ke (@ViralTeaKe) August 7, 2024
“Nane Nane is going to be our final day in the streets. We will go to the streets because the Kenya Kwanza regime has taken everything we had. We have elucidated very well what our demands have been. That we want to live in a country that gives us land; we want to live in a country that gives us education; we want to live in a country where children will not die from natal diseases. Tomorrow is a forward march in our annals of history,” he said.
“Tomorrow, as we march towards a new Republic, I want to assure you that the spirit of the Kenyan youth remains unbowed. We shall march for our rights and tomorrow we shall liberate this country!”
McOure went ahead to issue a stern warning to the National Police Service (NPS), dismissing it as a service and branding them a force, for using excessive force against protesters and use of armed officers in civilian clothes to disperse them.
The latter, he added, would be dealt with by the youth themselves, possibly setting the stage for a fiery clash between the protesting youth and the police force.
“I want to issue a very stern directive to the State organ that is the police force, and not a police service – if we see unidentified men in civilian clothing, riding in government vehicles, we shall treat them as robbers, we shall treat them as thieves, we shall treat them as colonizers,” he said.
“I want to assure all the Kenyans that we have not gathered here today in vain. We assure Kenyans that we shall not see those mad men on the streets. We have gotten to a point in this country where we even have Caucasians wielding arms on the streets.”
The remarks by the youth point to a showdown that could eclipse that of the June 25 protests which saw the breach of Parliament by protesting youth and a fierce battle that led to eight protesters reportedly shot dead.
Subsequent anti-government demonstrations have seen the infiltration by goons who have wreaked havoc, destroying property and looting businesses, outlining the tension in the air ahead of the Thursday protests, which are expected to present security forces with a stern challenge.
Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli warned that the planned anti-government demonstrations could be infiltrated by goons, though noted that the officers will be ready to ruthlessly deal with them.
“The initial demonstrations held in June were peaceful but subsequent protests morphed into riots, with looters destroying and stealing property,” he said.
“Our intelligence reports indicate that there are security threats to the country with criminals planning to infiltrate tomorrow’s demonstrations and commit further crimes. In anticipation, we have ensured adequate deployment of personnel.”
While urging members of the public to exercise vigilance during the protests, Masengeli likewise cautioned protesters against trespassing on protected land, including State House.
Other than in Nairobi, other counties have moved to curtail the protests to avoid a repeat of chaotic events. For instance, the Kajiado County government banned any form of protests and moved to shut down bars and entertainment joints from 11 pm on Wednesday.
The US Embassy in Nairobi announced that its consular office will be closed on Thursday, August 8 and though revealing that that the offices will be closed for routine services, its statement suggests a precautionary measure ahead of the protests.
The protests will take place despite President Ruto set to swear in 19 new Cabinet Secretaries at State House, Nairobi.
Anti-riot police officers at Nairobi CBD during past anti-government protests. /FILE