DIG Eliud Lagat assures Kenyans of security during June 25 commemorative protests, warns Mombasa criminal gangs,
As Kenya prepares to mark the June 25 commemorative demonstrations honouring victims of the 2024 and 2025 anti-government protests, Deputy Inspector General of Police Eliud Lagat has moved to reassure the nation that adequate security measures are firmly in place. Speaking during the launch of an economic empowerment programme in Mombasa, the DIG struck a careful balance—affirming the constitutional right to peaceful assembly while issuing a stern warning to criminals seeking to exploit the occasion for violence. “I will protect the constitutional right to peaceful assembly,” Lagat declared, “but any acts of violence, vandalism or disruption of public order will be dealt with firmly.”
A Firm Warning to Criminal Gangs
With intelligence suggesting that criminal elements may attempt to infiltrate the protests, DIG Lagat revealed that security agencies have intensified operations nationwide to dismantle criminal networks. In a particular focus on the Coast region, he disclosed that specific directives had been issued to security officials in Mombasa to prevent the destruction of property by individuals masquerading as protesters. Lagat confirmed that extensive consultations had been held with Coast regional police commanders specifically targeting:
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Political goons intent on causing chaos.
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Criminal gangs operating in the region.
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Armed youth groups, locally referred to as “panga boys,” who have been terrorizing residents.
“We do not want the people of Mombasa to continue living under the threat of criminal activities. Government security agencies will not tolerate goons, and the public will soon see the results of our actions,” he warned.
Economic Empowerment: Tackling the Root of Crime
The DIG’s address was not solely focused on enforcement. During the event at Treasury Square Grounds, Lagat presided over the launch of an economic empowerment programme that saw 25 youths from low-income households receive tuk-tuks to support their livelihoods and reduce their vulnerability to crime. This initiative highlights a key insight from the DIG: unemployment remains one of the primary drivers of insecurity in the Coast region. By providing tangible economic opportunities, the government aims to wean young people away from the lure of criminal activities. Lagat argued that sustainable security can only be achieved through a dual approach: effective law enforcement combined with economic empowerment initiatives. This strategic model addresses both the symptoms and the root causes of crime.
A Call for Community Policing
Beyond government action, DIG Lagat underscored the irreplaceable role of community involvement in ensuring public safety. He urged residents to work closely with security agencies by actively reporting criminal activities and helping identify criminal networks operating within their neighbourhoods. The message was clear: security is a shared responsibility. The police are prepared, but they need the eyes and ears of the communities they serve to effectively root out crime.
Looking Ahead to June 25
As the nation looks toward the June 25 commemorations, the National Police Service remains on high alert. The commitment to uphold democratic freedoms is matched by a steely resolve to maintain public order. For the residents of Mombasa and the wider Coast region, the promise of intensified operations and the sight of 25 new tuk-tuk owners heading towards economic independence offers a hopeful vision of a future where security and opportunity go hand in hand.
