'Shameful': DP Kindiki slams chaos in Wednesday protests

Speaking during a public address in Kambu, Kibwezi East Constituency, Kindiki termed the events as “shameful and anarchic,” citing the loss of lives, destruction of public and private property, and wanton looting as indicators of a deeply troubling trend.

“As someone who has been in politics for some time, I can say with certainty — what we witnessed yesterday was the most violent and anarchist day in our country since 2007/08. It was unprecedented,” Kindiki said.

He criticised certain religious institutions and leaders, accusing them of fueling the unrest by encouraging youth to act without restraint under the guise of exercising constitutional freedoms.

“There are churches and religious organisations that urged the youth to be responsible, but others incited them, telling them to exercise their rights however they wished. I want to ask those leaders — was the destruction we saw yesterday the kind of ‘freedom’ you were advocating?”

Kindiki also took issue with foreign envoys and diplomats, accusing some of issuing statements that emboldened the protesters.

“There are envoys who told our young people that no one could stop them from exercising their rights. I ask them — is the violence and destruction we witnessed what you intended? Is that the result you were seeking?”

Delivering a message on behalf of President William Ruto, Kindiki vowed that the government would not allow such scenes of lawlessness to recur.

“We will not let our country slide into anarchy, chaos, or lawlessness. What happened is a turning point. We will do whatever it takes to protect the integrity and stability of our nation.”

While affirming the government’s respect for freedoms of expression, opinion, media, and thought, Kindiki was firm in stating that those freedoms must not be abused to destabilize the nation.

“We will not interfere with freedoms — but we will not allow anyone to descend this country into mayhem.”

The Deputy President further revealed that police stations were set ablaze, and firearms and ammunition stolen, suggesting the protests may have been infiltrated by actors with ulterior motives.

“This was not just spontaneous unrest. The looting of weapons confirms there were hidden intentions far more sinister than initially perceived. That is why I am saying — never again will we allow Kenya to be taken down that path.”