Some President William Ruto’s close allies have once again rattled the public through reckless declarations and threats against the youth, who are set to stage protests on Wednesday to commemorate the June 25, 2024 historic invasion of Parliament.
In an insensitive bravado to Kenyans who are agitating for justice, and families which lost their loved ones during the protests, some politicians have vowed to unleash goons in the streets of Nairobi to clobber protesters in defence of the government.
Other backers of President Ruto’s administration have warned the youth to be ready to be felled by police bullets, should they participate in the protests.
Family members of some victims of police brutality during the June 2024 uprising plan to join the protests to demand justice for their loved ones.
The Chairperson of the President’s Council of Economic Advisers Dr David Ndii.
Photo credit: Francis Nderitu | Nation Media Group
“Wewe tokea (you just turn up), and say your goodbyes before you leave home just in case you catch (a) stray,” Dr David Ndii, who chairs President Ruto’s Council of Economic Advisers, told a social media user on X platform.
“Let me tell you some home truths you stupid young people. There will be no unconstitutional change of government in Kenya. You allow yourself to be weaponised by self-seekers, there will be casualties. My generation also had its heroic stupid young men. They were hanged. We learnt.”
Since joining the ranks of Dr Ruto’s government, a version of Dr Ndii — which is dismissive of the public view — has emerged. He is often involved in spats on social media over government policies and strategies, where he is always right and everyone else is “wrong and ignorant”.
Tiaty Member of Parliament William Kamket also fired a warning shot at Gen Zs. He threatened to mobilise and ferry young Pokot men to Nairobi to counter the planned protests.
He said that the mayhem caused by goons during last week’s protest was a Christmas party compared to what the youth will encounter should they go to the streets tomorrow.
The MP bragged how the Pokot youth are strong, resilient, and possess the stamina to match the energy of Nairobi's Gen Z demonstrators.
“I hear there are people planning to cause violence like last time. They cried about the mayhem caused by the goons. Let them try again, we will know there are Pokot youth,” Mr Kamket said at the weekend in Sigor.
Tiaty Member of Parliament William Kamket
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
“How many are ready to travel to Nairobi? How many are ready to protect the government? How many are ready to go and fight them (Gen Zs), and show them what war is? Let them not sell us fear. We’ll chase them around the city till they learn a lesson,” he said, amid cheers from the crowd.
Some kilometres away in Nyamira County, National Assembly Majority Whip Sylvanus Osoro said that it will not be “business as usual” for those who will go to the streets tomorrow.
The South Mugirango MP accused two sitting legislators from Gusii region of holding meetings aimed at undermining the government.
“Last week you incited the youth and we are aware there are plans to do the same in the name of June 25 anniversary. You have even gone to court and obtained anticipatory bail. We are telling you that this time it will not be business as usual,” said Mr Osoro.
Majority Whip Silvanus Osoro.
Photo credit: File | Nation Media Group
The cynical attitude by top Kenya Kwanza leaders towards the burdened taxpayer and insensitive display of opulence and extravagance in the face of scarcity were at the heart of the June 2024 uprising by jobless youth.
Meanwhile, some Kenya Kwanza leaders have demanded the arrest of opposition leaders. They accuse them of being behind past and the upcoming protests.
Pro-government leaders led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula alleged the planned protest, dubbed “Gen Z Day”, is spearheaded by Mr Gachagua and Mr Musyoka.
They claimed the opposition is “promoting anarchy and violence” by inciting Gen Z youth to take to the streets to create chaos and undermine the government.
“This is no longer about freedom of expression. This is a deliberate attempt to destabilise the nation and derail our development agenda,” said Kikuyu MP Kimani Ichung’wah, during a Women Empowerment Forum in Navakholo, Kakamega County over the weekend.
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K leader Eugene Wamalwa and DCP leader Rigathi Gachagua address residents of Changamwe in Mombasa County on June 7, 2025.
Photo credit: Wachira Mwangi | Nation Media Group
On Monday, the National Police Service warned Kenyans against hiring youth to “protect” their businesses during protests, stressing that only the police are legally authorised to provide security.
Police Spokesperson Michael Muchiri said the practice is unlawful and warned the people involved that they risk arrest for interfering with public order.
“Those saying that they are protecting their business should stop. There is no law that gives citizens the right to hire people to protect their businesses,” Mr Muchiri said.
He warned that young people hired to offer protection services during protests were exposing themselves to serious legal consequences.
“Any youth being asked to show up in the protests and protect businesses should know that they are breaching the law to the highest degree,” he said.
The remarks by some politicians have put the National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) on the spot for failing to take action against those beating war drums.
NCIC commissioner Danvas Makori, however, told the Nation that action will be taken against leaders who have uttered words that may lead to violence.
“Nobody is more special than the other because before our Constitution, we are all equal. Let them exercise their rights and you can also organise yours,” said Dr Makori.
The commissioner said the NCIC faces the challenge of expediting such cases because courts ask for watertight evidence.
“The courts require the production of a video or a clip of the remarks and the only agency that does that is the Communication Authority of Kenya, which takes forever to do the same,” said the commissioner.
“We have some instances where we submitted clips, and two months later, the CA has not responded. And by law, if you arrest somebody, you have to produce them in court within 24 hours. So what is the point of arresting them if you don’t have evidence? The case will be dismissed. We would rather be patient, adduce all the evidence and then action is taken,” said Dr Makori.
On May 17, impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua came under sharp scrutiny when he warned that there would be chaos in 2027, should the outcome of the polls be rigged.
"I'm saying going by the mood in the country, if IEBC tries to mess with the election, there will be no country here. 2007 will look like a Christmas party. I can tell you," Mr Gachagua said.
"I want to implore those commissioners to be Kenyans, to be patriotic, and not to attempt to force William Ruto on the people of Kenya. It will not work. The people of Kenya will not accept it. People want change, and they are ready for change," he said.
Jubilee Party Secretary-General Jeremiah Kioni and former Senate Majority Leader Samuel Poghisio have also condemned the remarks made by leaders in the ruling class. They warned that if unchecked, the reckless remarks have a potential of plunging the country into anarchy.
“It is pure incitement by the leaders. They are being insensitive. It means they don not appreciate the reasons why the youth came out to the streets. It shows that the Kenya Kwanza administration is not ready to listen to the youth,” said Mr Kioni.
“It also shows that all the goons that have in the past infiltrated the protests were brought by those in government,” he said.
Mr Poghisio said those in government have to desist from threatening protesters since the Constitution allows them to picket and petition government officials.
“I have heard people threatening to bring goons again. Don’t attempt to do that again. This country is not for goons, and we cannot be the ones controlling goons and speaking about it,” he said.
“I heard an MP say they will bring Pokot young people to the streets of Nairobi. I want to say, do not use the name of the Pokot here; that’s not what they are for. These people are looking for progression, education, and to be found in modern life; they are not for use by anybody,” said the former senator.
