Police Constable Dennis Munyao, better known as Afande Denno, has spoken out following his arrest during the June 25 Gen Z protests in Nairobi. The officer, who is also a popular social media figure, says he was off duty at the time of the demonstrations and maintains that he broke no laws by participating.
According to Munyao, he was taken in by plainclothes officers on the night of June 27 while in Pangani. He says he was bundled into an unmarked vehicle and driven to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) headquarters. During the ride, one of the officers allegedly restrained him and accused him of damaging the image of the police service.
At the DCI offices, Munyao says he was held for about 45 minutes and questioned about various aspects of his presence at the protests. Officers reportedly asked him when and where he filmed the demonstrations, whether he saw any looting, and what his political leanings were. However, he insists that no specific offence was cited during the interrogation. His phone was confiscated for forensic examination and he was informed to return on July 2 to retrieve it.
The officer emphasized that he had not been formally charged with any crime and that he was treated professionally while in custody. Still, the confiscation of his phone has raised concerns, especially given his reputation for documenting both positive and negative aspects of police operations on social media.
Munyao has built a significant following online, especially on TikTok, where he uses his platform to promote what he calls “community policing.” His videos often showcase his work in the field and interactions with members of the public, aiming to humanize police officers and bridge the trust gap between law enforcement and the public.
He defended his presence at the June 25 protests, explaining that he was off duty at the time and attended in his personal capacity. He denied having any political motivations or affiliations, stressing that his activism is solely about improving accountability and communication within the police service.
His case has drawn comparisons to other instances where police officers faced internal scrutiny for going public or sharing videos of police conduct. Some observers see his experience as part of a larger struggle over how much transparency is allowed within the ranks of the National Police Service.
Munyao, who joined the force in 2017, has served in multiple areas including Kiambu, Nairobi’s Kware estate, Mukuru kwa Njenga, and Garissa. Despite the ongoing probe, he remains on active duty as investigations continue.
Beyond his law enforcement work, he is well-known in community spaces, often appearing at local events such as football matches and social campaigns. With over 270,000 TikTok followers, his voice has become influential among young Kenyans, many of whom view him as a relatable and reform-minded figure within the police force.
As the situation unfolds, many are watching closely to see whether any disciplinary action will be taken and what the case means for other officers who use social media to connect with the public.
