Kindiki now blames Church, diplomats for youth protests

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki welcomed by a group of women in Kambu, Makueni county on June 26, 2025 for an empowerment programme. (Philip Muasya, Standard)

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has accused a section of religious leaders and the diplomatic community fueling unrest.

Kindiki claimed that calls on the young people to exercise their right to picket incited Wednesday demonstrations.

He lamented that some police stations were attacked and guns and ammunition stolen.

"Today I want to ask those church and religious leaders, I want to ask those diplomats and political leaders whose statements incited our young people, what they saw yesterday - the destruction and looting, is that what they wanted? Is that what they were looking for," he said.

Speaking in Kambu, Makueni County during a women empowerment programme, the DP termed the protests the "most violent and anarchist day in the history of the country".

Kindiki warned that the government would not stand by and watch as the country descended into mayhem.

"I want to assure you that we will not allow, ever again what happened to be repeated. We cannot allow our country to slide into anarchy, lawlessness and chaos," he said.

On the freedom of the media, the Deputy President stated that the government had no plans to muzzle the press as well as the freedom of opinion and expression. He, however, maintained that the government had a duty to ensure that rogue elements do not sink the country into mayhem.

On Wednesday, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CA) directed all TV and radio stations to stop airing live the demonstrations, a move that was strongly denounced by the main media houses, media lobby groups including the Editors Guild, and as well as the Law Society of Kenya.

More than 15 people were shot dead by the police during the protests. Two of them were killed in Matuu in Machakos County and another two in Emali, Makueni County.