In the wake of chaotic protests in Nairobi, Regional Police Commander George Seda has spoken out, dismissing claims that law enforcement officers were working in cahoots with armed goons who infiltrated Tuesday’s demonstrations.
While footage and witness accounts suggested that gang members appeared to work alongside police as they confronted peaceful demonstrators calling for the resignation of Deputy Police Inspector General Eliud Lagat, Seda insisted no such alliance existed. He emphasized that the police were caught off-guard by the gang's presence and had no prior information about them.
“There was no collaboration between the police and these individuals,” Seda clarified during a Wednesday evening press briefing. “Our officers were briefed before the operation, and there was no mention of armed goons.”
The protests turned tense when a group of stick-wielding individuals, reportedly not part of the original demonstration, aggressively engaged protestors—seemingly without interference from nearby police.
Seda explained that officers hesitated to make arrests immediately, as distinguishing between peaceful protesters and violent goons was extremely difficult.
“We didn’t want to escalate things by making rushed arrests. A team has now been deployed to investigate and identify those responsible,” he said.
When pressed on allegations that Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja may have had a hand in deploying the goons, Seda was cautious. He said interrogating those arrested would reveal the truth faster than confronting political leaders who would naturally deny involvement.
Addressing fears about police brutality, Seda firmly denied reports that officers fired live rounds during the protests. He stated that only rubber bullets were authorized and cautioned officers about using them at close range—citing the recent shooting of hawker Boniface Kariuki by an officer in Kayole as an example of misuse.
“Live bullets are not part of our riot equipment. What we have are rubber bullets, but even they can cause serious injury if used incorrectly,” he added.
He also took issue with officers hiding their identity behind face masks during the protests, saying this violated operational protocols. According to Seda, only respirators are allowed to protect officers from tear gas exposure—not full-face masks that obscure identity.
His remarks come amid growing public anger over the increasing use of excessive force by the police and widespread demands for accountability.
