Days after the High Court upheld the deployment of the military to suppress protests nationwide, The Standard has uncovered the details of the deployment strategy.
President William Ruto responded on Tuesday by dispatching two companies of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) officers to Kahawa Barracks, with two other military companies on standby. The decision was made in reaction to rising protests that threatened security and business activities around the country.
The decision, carried out by CS for Defence Aden Duale, sparked criticism from the opposition and different rights organisations. The deployment was officially announced in a gazette notice on June 25, 2024, citing the need to assist the National Police Service in dealing with the security issue created by violent protests.
In addition to personnel from Kahawa Barracks, military intelligence from Karen and special forces from Moi Air Base Sports Camp in Ngong took part in the operation, working alongside the police to restore order in the city.
Furthermore, military personnel were stationed at major areas like as Parliament buildings, State House, Kenya Broadcasting Corporation, Kenyatta International Conference Centre, and State Lodges. The KDF units were equipped with armoured vehicles and a variety of armaments, including machine guns and rifles, and were ready to respond quickly if necessary.
According to military sources, three additional companies were on standby at Kahawa Barracks, ready to join the operation if the situation demanded it. The special forces from MAB Ngong were stationed at Langata Barracks, conducting patrols in areas like Commercial, Moi Avenue, and Langata Road during the protests.