President William Ruto has launched a scathing attack on leaders politicising the recent wave of violent protests across the country, especially those claiming the unrest is being orchestrated against a particular community. Addressing the matter firmly, Ruto called out such allegations as divisive and irresponsible, warning that they risk inflaming ethnic tensions.
Speaking during a public address, the President dismissed claims that government operatives were involved in the looting and torching of businesses during the recent anti-government protests, including the Saba Saba demonstrations. He urged leaders with credible information on the culprits to report to the police instead of issuing what he termed “nonsense political statements.”
“I hear that someone has said in a statement that the government organised people to invade, burn and destroy businesses of people from one community. If that person is man enough, they should go and write a statement. Don’t just speak nonsense. Politicising this is unacceptable,” Ruto said.
He emphasized that leaders should be at the forefront of uniting Kenyans rather than exploiting painful incidents for political mileage. “If you are playing politics with the businesses of people who are shedding tears because they have lost everything, then shame on you,” he added.
The President also challenged the opposition to come forward with evidence if any state official was involved in inciting or facilitating the destruction of property in counties such as Meru, Kiambu, Kirinyaga, and Murang’a.
The remarks come in the wake of serious allegations made by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. Gachagua claimed that while he was still in office, a 101-member elite police unit was formed from the Administration Police Service and trained by the National Intelligence Service. According to him, the squad was trained specifically for abductions, killings, and cover-ups. He linked the unit to a viral video showing masked, gun-wielding officers allegedly shooting at protesters on July 7.
As tensions escalate and accusations fly, Ruto reiterated the need for accountability and national cohesion, warning that ethnic profiling and fearmongering have no place in Kenya’s democratic discourse
