Tag: June 25 protests

Dennis Itumbi Tears Into The Standard Over ‘Fabricated’ Protest Report
Dennis Itumbi, a top digital strategist in President William Ruto’s inner circle, has unleashed a scathing attack on The Standard newspaper over its explosive exposé alleging a government plot to sabotage the upcoming June 25 protests.

In a strongly worded statement, Itumbi accused the media house of abandoning journalism and embracing propaganda. The exposé claimed senior government officials, police, and bloggers were coordinating to infiltrate the protests with violence and fear.

As tensions rise ahead of the planned demonstrations in memory of fallen Gen Zs, Itumbi’s furious response has reignited the debate over truth, media ethics, and government transparency in Kenya.

President Ruto and digital strategist Dennis Itumbi during a past event; Itumbi has slammed The Standard’s exposé as political fiction. [Photo: Courtesy]

Itumbi Slams Standard Over Exposé on Govt Plans to Disrupt June 25 Protests

The Standard’s investigative piece shook the country just days before the June 25 protests are expected to sweep through Nairobi and possibly other towns. The report exposed what it said was a coordinated plan by the government to flood the demonstrations with violence and confusion.

Among the explosive claims were:
- Leaked WhatsApp messages allegedly involving government officials and bloggers planning the disruption
- Mobilisation of goons to attack protesters, especially targeting women to create fear
- Digital propaganda campaigns run by UDA loyalists to discredit the protests
- Police complicity, with the National Police Service allegedly briefed on the plans despite public reassurances of safety
The exposé tied the alleged operation directly to State House, claiming the plot had blessings from the top. It revealed how a network of power—from MCAs and MPs to high-level parastatal bosses—was tasked with implementing the plan across key urban areas.

But Itumbi hit back hard. He rubbished the entire exposé as political fiction designed to discredit the government and stir public unrest. He dared The Standard to provide verifiable evidence instead of unnamed sources and screenshots.

“The Standard has weaponized journalism. This is no longer about informing the public. It’s about inciting them,” Itumbi said.

Questions Raised Over Credibility and Timing

The Standard’s report has sparked national debate—not only about the alleged plot but also about the role of the media in such a volatile moment.

Critics aligned with the government have questioned the timing of the exposé. With less than 24 hours to the planned protests, the article has inflamed tensions and drawn attention to government accountability.

“It is not a coincidence that this piece drops just before the protests. It’s a coordinated attack on the administration, hiding behind press freedom,” one senior official who requested anonymity told local press.

Others see The Standard’s revelations as a public service, exposing the potential for violence and helping Kenyans prepare or demand accountability ahead of the demonstrations.

The Kenya Editors Guild and other press freedom defenders have remained silent so far, but civil society groups are calling for an independent investigation into both the claims made and the government’s response.

If true, the exposé would confirm long-held suspicions that recent demonstrations—especially the chaotic ones—have not been organic but influenced by deeper political machinations.

June 25 Protests Still On Despite the Chaos

The June 25 demonstrations are expected to be massive, with families of fallen Gen Z protesters and leading activists vowing to proceed despite the alleged threats.

The protests are in memory of those killed during last year’s anti-Finance Bill riots, which turned deadly in several towns. One such protest on June 17 this year saw goons with sticks disrupt peaceful demonstrations, robbing civilians and looting shops. Police were accused of watching without intervening.

In some dramatic scenes, civilians turned against the attackers, beating them and ejecting them from the marches. Videos shared online showed some of the thugs limping away, bloodied and broken.

Activists have warned that any attempt to derail the upcoming protests will be met with resistance

As the country waits for Wednesday, the rift between the media and the State appears to be deepening. And at the center of it is the fierce rebuke by Itumbi.
June 24, 2025
NPS Issues Stern Warning to Police Over Reckless Use of Guns Ahead of June 25 Protests

The National Police Service (NPS) has issued a firm warning to all officers against the reckless use of guns during the upcoming nationwide protests scheduled for Wednesday, June 25.

The caution comes after a hawker, Boniface Kariuki, was shot in the head during protests along Mondlane Street in Nairobi last week. The incident sparked public outrage and drew attention to the growing concern over how police officers handle firearms in civilian settings.

NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga, speaking on Radio Citizen on Monday, June 23, confirmed that disciplinary and legal action had already begun against the officers involved.

He stressed that any misuse of firearms, especially during the upcoming protests, would lead to serious consequences.

Police have been told to prioritize de-escalation and non-lethal tactics. Officers are also being monitored more closely by oversight bodies like IPOA, which has opened investigations into multiple incidents involving gun use in recent weeks. [Photo: Courtesy]

Reckless Use of Guns Has Legal Consequences

The warning from NPS spokesperson Muchiri Nyaga is not just a reminder — it’s a clear statement of intent.

He said, “The police have been educated on how and when to use guns. What we saw last week is completely against the law.” He added that the two officers who shot Kariuki, identified as Masinde Baraza and Duncan Kiprono from Kileleshwa Police Station, have already been taken to court. “This will serve as a lesson to others,” Nyaga noted.

Kariuki, a mask hawker, was shot during protests on June 17. He sustained serious injuries to the upper part of his body and is currently admitted at Kenyatta National Hospital.

According to reports, he was shot with a rubber bullet, but the impact was enough to cause head injuries. The hospital also confirmed that 16 other protestors were admitted with gunshot wounds or blunt force trauma.

The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) and NPS both agree that firearms should be used only under strict conditions. According to Section 61(2) of the National Police Service Act, an officer is only allowed to discharge a firearm if life is at risk, in self-defense, or to prevent escape during a felony.

IPOA added, “A firearm must not be used to disperse crowds. It should be a last resort, used only when all other means fail and there’s a real threat to life.”

Officers Urged to Follow the Law

Muchiri reminded officers that the law is clear and strict about firearm use. Officers are trained not only on how to use weapons but also on the legal implications of misuse.

“When I saw the video of the officer shooting at the hawker, I asked myself what was really going on,” said Muchiri. “That behavior does not reflect the law or the values of our service.”

The NPS is under increasing pressure to control its officers and maintain professionalism, especially in high-tension events like the upcoming protests. Muchiri emphasized that every officer must take personal responsibility and act within the confines of the law.

This statement comes at a time when Kenyans are expressing rising fear and frustration over police brutality, especially during protests. Civil society groups have called for transparency, accountability, and justice for victims of unnecessary police violence.

Civilian Safety Is Paramount

With more protests expected on June 25, the spotlight is now on the conduct of police officers.

The shooting of Kariuki has become a symbol of what many believe is a growing pattern of forceful suppression of public dissent. Social media has been flooded with images and videos of officers acting with impunity — a situation that Muchiri says must end.

Police have been told to prioritize de-escalation and non-lethal tactics. Officers are also being monitored more closely by oversight bodies like IPOA, which has opened investigations into multiple incidents involving gun use in recent weeks.

Muchiri concluded, “Any officer who disobeys the law, no matter their rank, will face the full force of the law. There will be no cover-ups.”

The Kenyatta National Hospital has confirmed that Kariuki is stable but will need further medical care. Meanwhile, rights activists continue to push for the prosecution of not just the officers involved but also their supervisors who may have failed to act.

As the nation heads toward another protest day, all eyes are on how the police will conduct themselves. The NPS warning is a signal that the days of careless firearm use may be numbered — but only if the law is truly enforced.

June 23, 2025
Inside Police Plans To Contain June 25 Protests

Security commanders finalize comprehensive strategy as Kenya braces for mass demonstrations over Albert Ojwang’s death in custody

Kenyan police have finalized an extensive security strategy to manage the planned June 25 protests, deploying hundreds of officers across Nairobi’s Central Business District as the country braces for what could be the largest demonstrations since last year’s deadly anti-tax protests.

Top police commanders concluded a series of high-level strategy meetings on Thursday, submitting a comprehensive security plan to the National Security Council in a session attended by President William Ruto.

The plan outlines how police intend to manage the protests and maintain order, particularly in the capital city, as tensions continue to escalate following the death of blogger and teacher Albert Ojwang in police custody.

Strategic Command Structure

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja is leading the preparations, coordinating with senior commanders including Directorate of Criminal Investigations Director Mohammed Amin, Deputy Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli, and acting DIG Patrick Tito.

The planning process began with initial discussions on Tuesday at the National Police Service headquarters at Jogoo House, followed by a second meeting on Wednesday where a harmonized operational strategy was drafted.

“Yes, we are on top of things. Today we met with all commanders for a review of the strategic security plan,” Kanja told reporters on Thursday evening.

“The police will follow all established procedures and I urge protestors to be peaceful and to follow police guidelines.”

The Inspector General issued a stern warning to potential troublemakers: “Anybody (goons) thinking of infiltrating the peaceful demonstrations should be warned. They will spend a long time in jail.”

Deployment Strategy

The security plan involves a multi-tiered approach with hundreds of officers from various formations being deployed beginning Wednesday, June 25. Officers from the General Service Unit (GSU), Rapid Deployment Unit (RDU), and regular police units will monitor the situation across key areas of Nairobi.

Ground forces on foot patrol will be backed by colleagues in patrol cars and trucks, allowing for rapid response to any disturbances.

The GSU and Administration Police officers have been specifically tasked with breaking up demonstrations that become unruly, while a separate team from Nairobi Central Police Station has been designated to provide security for peaceful demonstrators.

Tactical Resources and Equipment

Police have positioned water cannons at strategic locations throughout the city as backup measures in case of escalation.

Roads earmarked for closure during the protest period include access routes to sensitive areas such as Parliament Road, State House Road, and other government buildings deemed high-security zones.

Depending on how the situation develops, police may also deploy mounted officers and dog units to reinforce their ground presence.

This comprehensive approach marks a significant departure from the June 2024 protests, where police were reportedly caught off guard.

Intelligence Operations

NIS Director General Noordin Haji.

Unlike previous demonstrations, police commanders at the station level have been instructed to gather intelligence in advance.

Officers from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) have been tasked with identifying protest organizers and financiers, according to senior security sources.

To ensure seamless coordination during the protests, senior police officers will be stationed at the Police Command Centre at Jogoo House, where they will monitor developments in real-time and provide operational guidance to teams on the ground.

Background to the Protests

The upcoming demonstrations stem from public outrage over the death of 31-year-old Albert Ojwang, a teacher and blogger who died while in police custody earlier this month.

Ojwang was arrested on June 6 in Homa Bay County on charges of “defaming” Deputy Inspector General Eliud Lagat, after publishing posts exposing alleged high-level corruption in the police force.

The blogger was transferred over 350 kilometers from his hometown to Nairobi Central Police Station, where he died under circumstances that have sparked widespread condemnation.

An autopsy revealed that Ojwang’s injuries were not self-inflicted, contradicting initial police claims.

President William Ruto condemned Ojwang’s death as “heartbreaking and unacceptable,” while the European Union, United States, and United Kingdom have all called for a transparent investigation.

The incident has reignited memories of last year’s anti-tax protests, where at least 60 people were killed during a security force crackdown, including a 12-year-old boy who was shot in the back.

Recent Escalation

Protests have already erupted across Nairobi this week, with demonstrations concentrated around Nation Centre, Moi Avenue, and Kenyatta Avenue in the CBD. Police have deployed tear gas against crowds, and several incidents have drawn international attention, including the close-range shooting of an unarmed protester on Tuesday.

The situation further escalated when Deputy Inspector General Lagat announced he was stepping aside to allow investigations into Ojwang’s death, just hours before Monday’s high-level security meeting at State House between Kanja and Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen.

Police Assurances

Despite the heavy security preparations, police officials have emphasized their commitment to facilitating peaceful protests.

National Police Service spokesperson Michael Muchiri confirmed that multiple strategy meetings were underway to ensure full preparedness.

“It is meeting after meeting now. We want to be well prepared and we will offer security,” Muchiri stated.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda assured residents that sufficient security measures had been implemented.

“We will provide enough security for protesters and for all other Kenyans,” Seda said during a press briefing at his office on Wednesday.

Historical Context

The June 25 date holds particular significance, as it marks exactly one year since thousands of protesters stormed Parliament during last year’s anti-tax demonstrations.

That day saw unprecedented scenes of civil unrest, with protesters breaking into the legislature building while police opened fire, resulting in multiple casualties.

The anniversary timing has added symbolic weight to the upcoming protests, with some activists describing June 25 as “like a second Independence Day” for Kenya’s youth-led protest movement.

As Kenya prepares for what could be a defining moment in its recent political history, the comprehensive police strategy reflects lessons learned from previous demonstrations.

However, the success of these plans will largely depend on maintaining the delicate balance between ensuring public order and respecting citizens’ constitutional right to peaceful assembly.

The protests are expected to last several days, with organizers calling for sustained demonstrations until their demands for accountability and justice are met.

The coming week will test both the police’s new approach to crowd control and the resilience of Kenya’s democratic institutions under pressure.

For the latest updates on the June 25 protests and security developments, follow our continuing coverage.

June 20, 2025
We Are in Government, We Will Not Join Your Useless Protests, MP Kaluma Says Ahead of Gen-Z June 25 Memorial March

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma has publicly distanced himself and his community from the planned Gen Z memorial protests scheduled for June 25, 2025, labeling them as “useless” and unproductive.

In a fiery statement posted on his official X account on Thursday, June 19, 2025, Kaluma emphasized that his constituents, having long been at the forefront of political activism, are now focused on nation-building and governance rather than street demonstrations.

Kaluma’s remarks come amid heightened tensions following deadly protests in Nairobi on June 17, 2025, sparked by the death of digital content creator Albert Ojwang while in police custody.

The demonstrations, which began peacefully, turned violent, with reports of looting, clashes with police, and the widely condemned shooting of an unarmed hawker by officers.

The upcoming Gen Z memorial protests aim to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the 2024 Finance Bill protests, during which over 60 people lost their lives and Parliament was stormed, ultimately forcing the government to withdraw the controversial bill.

In his X post, Kaluma declared, “Our people will not join you in your useless street protests. We have been on the streets, dying for you, since independence. We are in government, busy rebuilding after years of neglect.”

The MP, a vocal supporter of the government following the Orange Democratic Movement’s (ODM) alliance with President William Ruto, expressed frustration over what he perceives as the exploitation of his community in past political struggles.

He argued that their decades-long participation in protests has come at a significant cost, and they are now prioritizing governance and development.

Kaluma also took aim at opposition leaders, accusing them of manipulating youth to participate in protests for personal gain while shielding their own families.

In a prior post, he warned young Kenyans against being used as “pawns” by opposition figures, alleging that some leaders exploit public unrest to secure donor funding.

“The visionless opposition leaders are inciting other people’s children to head to the streets as they remain behind sharing out donor funding,” Kaluma stated, citing activist Boniface Mwangi as an example of those who allegedly benefit financially from protests without taking personal risks.

A screenshot of Kaluma’s X Post.

The MP’s comments have drawn attention to the silence of ODM leader Raila Odinga, who has remained notably quiet on governance issues since his party joined forces with Ruto’s administration.

Critics argue that this alliance has softened ODM’s stance on public dissent, with Kaluma’s remarks reflecting a broader shift within the party.

Meanwhile, preparations for the June 25 memorial protests are underway, with Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda confirming that authorities have received formal notification of the planned demonstrations.

Speaking to the media on June 18, 2025, Seda assured the public of adequate security measures to ensure safety for both protesters and non-participants. “We will provide enough security to ensure every person who is going to participate, and even those who are not participating, is safe,” he said.

However, he urged demonstrators to maintain peace and avoid disrupting businesses, noting that past protests had turned violent due to provocations.

Kaluma’s dismissal of the protests has sparked mixed reactions. While some view his stance as a pragmatic call for stability, others see it as a betrayal of the youth-led movement demanding accountability and justice.

June 19, 2025
‘We Have Enhanced Plans,’ Police Vow Protection for Peaceful Protesters on June 25

Nairobi Regional Police Commander assures public of enhanced security measures as Gen Z memorial protests approach

Police have pledged to safeguard peaceful demonstrators during the upcoming June 25 memorial march, marking one year since deadly protests against the controversial Finance Bill that left several people dead.

Nairobi Regional Police Commander George Seda on Wednesday assured the public that comprehensive security arrangements are in place for what organizers have dubbed the “Gen Z Memorial March” – a day opposition leaders want recognized as a symbolic public holiday to honor those killed during last year’s demonstrations.

“For June 25th, we have what we call enhanced plans for that. I want to urge our public, let’s restrict ourselves to peaceful demonstrations,” Seda told reporters, emphasizing that officers are prepared to protect all participants who observe legal guidelines.

The memorial march comes exactly one year after the June 25, 2024 anti-Finance Bill protests turned violent following a police crackdown that resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.

The demonstrations were sparked by public opposition to punitive tax measures proposed in the bill.

Seda sought to reassure the public that police are not adversaries of peaceful protesters, citing successful facilitation of recent demonstrations by nurses and other groups.

“We are not at war with the public. We are here to provide safety for everyone, protesters, businesspeople, media, and all,” he stated.

However, the police commander warned against allowing the protests to turn violent, referencing incidents from Tuesday’s anti-police brutality demonstrations where four cases of malicious damage, seven phone thefts, and two shop break-ins were reported.

Two businesswomen in the Imenti area reportedly lost merchandise worth 2.2 million shillings combined.

“We cannot tolerate thuggery in the name of protests,” Seda declared, while distancing law enforcement from criminal elements that witnesses claimed were working alongside police during recent protests.

In a significant development, Seda confirmed that an officer filmed shooting a protester at close range has been arrested. Police Constables Klinzy Barasa Masinde from Kayole Station and Duncan Kiprono from Kilimani Station are now in custody at Capitol Police Station and will face legal proceedings.

The police commander reiterated that officers are prohibited from using live ammunition during protest management, stating that riot control relies on tear gas and protective gear rather than live bullets.

Police deny collusion with goons

Seda has categorically denied allegations that police officers collaborated with armed gangs during Tuesday’s protests, while assuring the public of comprehensive security measures for the upcoming June 25 memorial march.

He dismissed claims that officers had joined forces with goons who infiltrated the demonstration calling for the resignation of Deputy Police Inspector General Eliud Lagat, stating that armed gangs were not part of police operational briefings.

“The goons and the police had no relations,” Seda declared, explaining that it was difficult for officers to differentiate between protesters and infiltrators during the chaotic scenes.

“Goons were not in our briefing, and it was also difficult to differentiate between the goons and protesters.”

The police commander’s remarks come amid public outcry after armed gangs were seen taking frontline positions against peaceful protesters while under police watch, raising suspicions of collaboration between law enforcement and criminal elements.

Seda revealed that a special investigative team has been assembled to identify the goons and determine who hired them, noting that direct questioning of suspected orchestrators would be futile as they would simply deny involvement.

Instead, he indicated that arrests and interrogations of suspects would uncover the truth.

When pressed about whether Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja might have hired the goons to restore order, Seda suggested that such direct accusations would be denied, emphasizing the need for thorough investigations.

Opposition figures continue to push for June 25 to be declared a public holiday, amid ongoing concerns about what they describe as “persistent targeting, kidnappings, abductions, intimidation, unlawful arrests and murder of young people.”

The memorial protests are expected to draw large crowds as activists demand justice for victims of police brutality and call for an end to the alleged targeting of young protesters. With businesses and other establishments operating normally on the working day, police face the challenge of balancing protest rights with public safety and economic activity.

As the anniversary approaches, the events of June 25, 2024 remain a painful reminder of the tensions between authorities and citizens exercising their constitutional right to peaceful assembly, with many hoping this year’s commemorative march will proceed without the violence that marked its predecessor.

June 18, 2025