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In a statement released on Wednesday, Acting Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja provided an update on the anti-government demonstrations that took place on Tuesday.

Kanja noted that the protests attracted a low turnout, but “goons masquerading as protesters” infiltrated the demonstrations in several areas of Nairobi and Kakamega, leading to “widespread chaos, looting, and destruction.”

Kanja stated, “Yesterday July 23, demonstrations were witnessed in some parts of the country, and the same protests attracted low turnout.

” The deployment of adequate security personnel at critical installations including the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and cooperation with the members of public ensured that security prevailed.” He said

However, Kanja acknowledged that “a few skirmishes were witnessed in Nairobi CBD around Kimathi Street, Archives, North Airport Road, Pipeline area, Roysambu and Kakamega Town.

He added that the police’s preliminary investigations indicate that “some goons disguising as protestors were hired from elsewhere to cause chaos in some of the affected areas where looting and destruction of property were witnessed.”

The protests, which were intended to culminate in the invasion of the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) on Tuesday were thwarted by heavy security deployment.

Police officers “ring-fenced” the international airport, implementing heightened surveillance and meticulously searching vehicles and passengers to ensure only authorized travelers gained access.

While some protesters could be seen hanging around the airport’s perimeter fence, they were unable to breach the airport’s security.

Regular airport activities proceeded, albeit with fewer travelers and a few flight delays due to the disruption of transport in the area.

Kanja stated that the police are “speedily investigating the incidents” and that those found culpable will face the full force of the law.