We will treat anarchy at source – Kindiki

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki joins locals in a jig during the Youth and Women Empowerment programme’s fundraiser at Kisukioni village in Matungulu, Machakos county on June 26, 2025.

Deputy President Kithure Kindiki has equated the recent Gen Z-led protests to acts of terrorism, saying there is no difference between what happened during the demonstrations and attacks by groups like al Shabaab.

Speaking during a Youth and Women Empowerment programme fundraiser at Kisukioni village in Matungulu, Machakos county on Thursday, Kindiki stated that the government would not allow such unrest to take place again, promising a swift and firm response.

“We will treat anarchy at source. There is no difference between what happened yesterday with Alshabaab. The same way we go for Alshabaab at the source, this time round we can’t allow Kenya to descent into chaos as we watch,” Kindiki said.

He added that the state would not hesitate to take decisive action against anyone who disturbs public order, even if such measures risk their popularity as elected leaders.

“The security in Kenya comes first. Kenya needs peace. We will deal ruthlessly with anarchy, people pretending to use Constitution to advance anarchy, criminality and terrorism,” he said.

Reflecting on Wednesday’s events, Kindiki said Kenyans had endured a difficult day, with demonstrations reported in about 27 counties.

“I have been in politics for a long time. I don’t remember if there is another day we have had skirmishes like yesterday. The skirmishes we had yesterday have affected us more since 2007/08 post-election violence,” he said.

Kindiki described the day as a low moment for the country.

“Our country in the eyes of citizens looks so desperate and bad. Because Kenya is a democratic country and we are used to having freedom that’s constitutional, nobody has powers to interfere with constitutional rights. Nobody has the capacity to throw back democratic freedoms given by the constitution.”

He noted that the constitution only permits peaceful protests, adding that violence, injuries, destruction of property, and economic disruption are not protected under law.

“What happened on Wednesday from morning to midnight, there is somebody somewhere who woke up a millionaire but by evening was poor with not even food because his wealth he had struggled to acquire since his youthful age was destroyed and looted by goons and criminals,” Kindiki said.

He said that during the protests, shops were broken into, property vandalised, innocent Kenyans injured, and women raped.

“These happenings had no connection with democratic rights expressions,” he said.

“Wednesday was the most unfortunate day since 2007/08. Some religious leaders have been advocating for dialogue without engaging in violence. I thank them. We have no other country to go if our country burns.”

Kindiki also accused certain religious leaders of inciting youth to violence.

He warned that all those involved in the unrest would face consequences.

“Your freedom stops where my nose starts. I understand the constitution more than those making noise outside there. You can’t have freedom of doing anything. I want to assure you, yesterday was a low moment for our country. We will make sure it doesn’t happen again,” he said.