Acting Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja on Tuesday morning advised protesters, majorly Gen Zs, to take caution and foster peaceful protests.
In a statement, the IG indicated that his office had received credible information that several criminals were planning to infiltrate their peaceful protests.
As a result, Kanja advised the protesters to collaborate, cooperate, and coordinate with the police to ensure to ensure their safety during the exercise.
He further asked the protesters to foster peace in an effort to avoid bloodshed as experienced in past protests.
The National Police Service notes that there are planned demonstrations today Tuesday, July 16, 2024, organized by young Kenyans, also known as Gen Z, to exercise their fundamental right to peacefully assemble, picket, and demonstrate under Article 37 of our Constitution," stated IG.
"In the recent past, however, we have regrettably witnessed the tragic loss of lives, injuries, violence, criminal conduct, and the destruction of property from similar protests, resulting in the collective pain and suffering for families and the disruption of business and normal working operations for thousands of Kenyans."
"This morning, we received credible intelligence indicating that certain organised criminal groups have planned to infiltrate, disrupt and destabilise the peaceful nature of the demonstrations, which could potentially jeopardise the safety of demonstrators," he added.
Human rights activists estimate that at least 50 people have been reported dead since the protests began in mid-June.
The National Police Service caution came a few hours after protests, albeit peaceful, commenced in several areas among them Kitengela and Eldoret.
Video clips showed a group of youths marching along the Nairobi-Namanga highway, raising tensions in Kitengela.
Early Tuesday morning, sightings of deployed police officers were made in several towns. In Nairobi, a troop of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers was spotted at Nyayo Stadium in Nairobi.
In Eldoret, one protester lamented that he was arrested after police found him buying a flag and whistle.
Nairobi, however, has so far remained largely peaceful while traders kept their shops shut in anticipation of the protests.