function/DPCS
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has termed the June 25 protests
as shameful and the most violent the country has ever witnessed.
Speaking on Thursday, Kindiki described the protests as the
most anarchic in Kenya since the 2007/2008 post-election violence.
He went on to say that looting, destruction of property and
loss of lives were unwarranted.
“As a person who has been in politics for some time now, I
want to tell you that what we witnessed Wednesday was the most violent and
anarchic day in the history of our Country since the 2007/08 post-election
violence. It was shameful.
“The loss of lives, destruction of public and private
property, wanton looting, and destruction of private businesses was
unprecedented,” the Deputy President said.
He went on to say that the government will, going forward, not
allow such a thing to happen.
The DP said they will not allow the country to go into anarchy
and lawlessness, and the state will do whatever it takes to protect the country.
“On behalf of President William Ruto, I want to assure that
we will not allow ever again what happened yesterday to be repeated. We cannot
allow our Country to slide into anarchy, lawlessness, and chaos.”
Kindiki, however, reaffirmed that while at it, the government
will not interfere with the rights to freedom of expression.
“We will not interfere or curtail the freedom of opinion and
expression, the freedom of the media and thought, but we will not allow anyone
to descend our Country into mayhem,” he said.
“We are assessing the aftermath of yesterday’s lawlessness.
Police stations were burnt and guns and ammunition stolen. That confirms there
were other hidden and ulterior intentions greater than what many people
thought. That is why I am telling you, never again will we allow our Country to
descend into anarchy.”
The protests had been organised in remembrance of the over
60 Kenyan youths who died in a Gen Z-led anti-government protest in June 2024.
The demonstrations, which began as a pushback against the
controversial Finance Bill 2024, evolved into a broader generational outcry
against corruption, poor leadership, and limited economic prospects.
The Gen Z protests, largely leaderless and decentralised,
have shifted national discourse and drawn international attention for their
bold defiance, use of digital tools, and unfiltered messaging.
Lobby groups, including the Law Society of Kenya, Police
Reforms Working Group and the Kenya Medical Association, said eight protesters
were killed in the protests.
It said that at least 400 others sustained injuries and were
treated, with 83 of them referred to specialised treatment.