For Constable Japhet Musuko (33) of Kiambu Police Station, the youth-led protests on June 25 began as a peaceful march but quickly turned into a deadly fight for survival.
Wearing a sling to support his plastered hand, the young officer’s face is solemn as he recalled the events of that day.
Speaking to the Nation in an exclusive interview, he began by explaining how what seemed like a routine assignment spiralled into chaos.
“We were on standby at Kiambu Police Station but were later ordered to support our colleagues in Kikuyu town, where the situation was getting out of hand. We were instructed to provide reinforcement because the protests had become violent,” he said, adding that upon arrival in Kikuyu, Musuko things went wrong.
“Our driver was not familiar with the area. He accidentally drove us straight into the middle of a large, hostile crowd of protesters. Before we could even alight, the protesters started attacking us,” he remembered.
In panic, the driver attempted to reverse the car, but they ended up in an alley.
“The protesters saw that we were cornered, and they started throwing stones at us. While still inside the vehicle, one of them hurled a huge stone directly at my right hand with which I was holding my firearm. This fractured my hand and my finger was badly injured. Blood was everywhere,” he recounted, his voice shaking.
Musuko said he had no choice but to hand over his weapon to a colleague, as he shielded himself behind other officers from the stones that rained on them.
“I want the public to remember that police officers are human beings too. We are your sons, daughters and parents. It is not right to harm others in the name of seeking justice. What happened that day was not a demonstration, it was a fight,” he said.
Musuko added that their helmets offered little protection against the large stones that the protesters threw at them.
Constable Japhet Mbithi Musuko at Kiambu Police Station on July 5, 2025 He sustained an injury while on duty during Gen Z anniversary protests on June 25, 2025.
“All the officers could do was fire teargas to disperse the angry crowd so that we can force our way out. It was pure survival,” he said but did not respond when asked about what sparked the violence.
“I went to see a doctor and paid for all the scans, tests and treatment. I didn’t want to waste time figuring out whether the SHA or police medical cover would help. The scans showed my middle finger is fractured,” he told Nation.
Broken shield: Hundreds of police officers nurse injuries after June protests
“To Kenyans, if you plan to protest, be cautious. We only live once and justice should never be pursued through violence. Both the police and the public must do the right thing. Yes, you have a constitutional right to demonstrate, but not in a way that harms others,” he said.
Sammy Kamau – Sub-County Police Commander, Nyandarua Central
Olkalau Sub-county Police Commander Sammy Kamau and other senior officers on July 3, 2025 inspect exhibit room that was reduced to shell after goons burnt several offices and vehicles at the sub-county headquarters on June 25, 2025.
Photo credit: Boniface Mwangi | Nation Media Group
In Nyandarua County, Sub-County Police Commander Sammy Kamau says the events of June 25 will remain etched in his memory forever.
“At around 10am, the Gen Z demonstrations started peacefully. We saw young people marching from Ol Kalou Stadium toward JM Hospital. They circled the town twice,” he recalled, but the calm atmosphere did not last.
“At the junction between Ol Kalou–Nyahururu and Ol Kalou–Njambini roads, OCS Priscilla Wairimu and her 10 officers were attacked alongside the protesters they were protecting. I immediately deployed 10 more officers but we were still overwhelmed,” Mr Kamau said, noting that once reinforcement arrived trouble escalated.
“Goons who had infiltrated the peaceful protest began hurling stones. We managed to rescue the OCS and retreat to the station,” he said.
“At around 12.45pm, the same group attacked our station. They came in large numbers. They threw stones and overwhelmed our officers,” said Kamau.
An injured police officer is rushed to seek medial attention by protesters after she was roughed up during the commemoration of the anti-government protests on June 25, 2025 along Banda Street in Nairobi.
Photo credit: Photo | Billy Ogada | NATION
Kamau called for assistance from nearby stations, and only Mirangini Police Station was able to send 10 officers due to widespread unrest.
“We were under siege from about 1,000 goons until 4pm. We saw government offices which were 200 metres from our station being set ablaze but we were unable to intervene because we were confined to the station,” he said.
“Some goons set our exhibit store on fire. The firefighters could not come and help because they feared for their safety since 20 vehicles had been burnt Ol Kalou Sub-County offices.”
So far, 20 people have been arrested over the chaos. They were taken to court and released on personal bonds of Sh100,000 each. The case will be mentioned on July 21.
“The goons burnt 10 motorbikes, a tractor, and a bulldozer. Ten offices—including the education office, library and county enforcement office were destroyed. Four officers sustained minor injuries. Thankfully, none required hospitalisation,” he said.
The police boss said that while the physical damages were significant, the psychological trauma was worse.
“We never imagined the public could turn on us like this. We have always had a good relationship with the local community. Things went back to normal the very next day, which makes me wonder whether the attackers came from elsewhere,” he said.
“We were tested. It was a life-threatening situation and we could have used firearms but we showed restraint. I’m proud that not a single life was lost—neither from the public nor among officers. We now see the urgent need to strengthen our police presence. If anything like this happens again, I can assure you we will be ready,” he said.
