President calls for national unity, condemns protests as coordinated chaos
Nairobi – President William Ruto convened security officials at State House Nairobi on Saturday in the wake of violent nationwide protests that left at least 16 people dead and hundreds more injured.
The high-level meeting brought together Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, his deputies, the Director of Criminal Investigations, and National Government Administration Officers. The session followed the June 25 demonstrations that spiraled into violent confrontations between youth and security forces across major towns, including Nairobi, Kisii, Mombasa, Nakuru, Nyeri, and Eldoret.
Addressing the gathering, President Ruto urged the security leadership to remain firm in safeguarding the country’s stability.
“We must protect our country. This was not a protest it was calculated chaos,” Ruto said. “The government has evidence of those who planned and financed it.”
The president described the events as a direct assault on the country’s economy and national order. Authorities reported widespread destruction: government offices, private property, and critical infrastructure were damaged or looted.
Kenya Power confirmed that one of its security guards was shot dead outside the Stima Plaza building in Nairobi.
According to Amnesty International, at least 16 civilians were killed during the protests. More than 400 people suffered injuries in confrontations with police. In some areas, officers reportedly used live ammunition to disperse crowds.
Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen said over 300 police officers were also injured in the clashes, with some facing permanent physical damage.
Nine police stations came under attack. Five of those stations including Dagoretti, Molo, and Ol Kalou were set on fire. Murkomen said 88 police vehicles and more than 90 private and government vehicles were destroyed.
Weapons were also stolen. At least five firearms were taken from Dagoretti Police Post, while four others were burned at Gachui Police Post.
The June 25 unrest, driven primarily by young protesters, was sparked by mounting frustration over last year’s police violence, demands for justice, and calls for sweeping governance reforms. Protesters flooded the streets with placards calling for accountability and respect for constitutional rights.
In response to the scale of destruction, the government has pledged to pursue those it claims were behind the planning and financing of the protests.
President Ruto’s call to action focused on building unity within the country’s security leadership while reinforcing the message that any future threat to peace would be met with coordinated response.
“This country is governed by law and order,” Ruto said. “We must not allow impunity to take root under the guise of protest.”
The government has not announced any independent investigations into the killings or use of force. Human rights organizations continue to call for accountability and justice for victims.
As tensions remain high, Ruto’s administration faces growing pressure to balance public security with constitutional rights to assemble and protest.
