Agriculture chief warns of rising anarchy ahead of July 7 Saba Saba demonstrations
NAKURU — Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has warned that organized criminal groups are hijacking youth-led demonstrations to commit acts of violence and destruction, ahead of the planned Saba Saba protests set for July 7.
Speaking during his tour of Nakuru County, Kagwe acknowledged the constitutional right of every Kenyan to protest peacefully but condemned what he described as escalating lawlessness. “Destroying property is not protest. That’s anarchy,” Kagwe said. “Legitimate protests must not be used as cover for criminal activity.”
His remarks come amid growing concern over the direction of recent Gen Z-led protests, which began as peaceful demonstrations against tax hikes and governance issues. However, reports from Nairobi and Kisumu have highlighted incidents of looting, vandalism, and assaults on both public and private property.
Kagwe urged the public to remain alert and protect their neighborhoods from individuals taking advantage of the protests to disrupt livelihoods. “Citizens have a civic duty to stand against those using protests to damage property and threaten peace,” he stated.
He also called on the Ministry of Interior to intensify action and prevent criminal infiltration of the demonstrations. “These criminal elements must be identified and isolated. Law enforcement must act decisively,” Kagwe said.
Organizers of the Gen Z movement have announced another round of demonstrations on Saba Saba Day, July 7, a date historically associated with Kenya’s pro-democracy movement. While the group maintains the protests are peaceful and grounded in constitutional rights, government officials are expressing rising concern about the possibility of escalating unrest.
Kagwe’s remarks reflect a broader government position that supports the right to protest but insists that such activities must remain within the bounds of law. No arrests or specific group affiliations linked to the alleged criminal infiltration were disclosed in Kagwe’s address.
Security agencies are reportedly monitoring online mobilization efforts ahead of the Monday demonstrations. Meanwhile, civil society groups continue to urge the state to balance security enforcement with the protection of free expression.
As the country heads into another protest weekend, the focus remains on whether authorities can ensure public safety without infringing on democratic rights and whether protest leaders can maintain discipline within their ranks.
