War on the State: Activist Demands Arrests Over Gen-Z Chao

 

Violence. Looting. Attacks on police. These are the grim scenes that unfolded across major cities in Kenya following the latest round of Gen-Z-led anti-government protests — and now, Eldoret-based human rights defender Kipkorir Ngetich is sounding the alarm.

In a strongly worded public statement issued on Wednesday, Ngetich called the protests "a highly coordinated assault on the State" and placed the blame squarely on prominent political figures, accusing them of inciting the youth and undermining President William Ruto’s administration.

“What we are witnessing is not spontaneous youth anger. This is a well-funded, highly orchestrated operation designed to destabilize Kenya and discredit a sitting president. We are calling for the immediate arrest and prosecution of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka, and former Chief Justice David Maraga — all of whom bear direct political responsibility for what happened today,” Ngetich said.

The activist did not hold back in his assessment of the day's chaos, describing it as a "dark day for Kenyan democracy" that exposed the government’s vulnerability to internal sabotage masked as civic activism.

A Capital Under Siege

Reports from Nairobi and other major towns indicated that what began as peaceful protests quickly degenerated into lawlessness. Protesters looted shops, torched public property, and clashed violently with police. In Nairobi’s Central Business District, multiple injuries were reported as officers were overwhelmed by groups allegedly armed with stones, crude weapons, and incendiary materials.

“It is not only the property that was destroyed,” Ngetich said. “The legitimacy and authority of the government itself were under attack. If police officers can be assaulted in daylight and law enforcement infrastructure destroyed in the capital city, then we must ask: who is really in control of our country?”

According to Ngetich, the protests were never about reforms or accountability. Instead, he believes they were designed to create the impression that Kenya is spiraling into chaos — a narrative he says is being fueled by politicians with ambitions of returning to power through unconstitutional means.

“Rigathi Gachagua and his team are aware that they cannot defeat President Ruto at the ballot. Their plan is to cripple the country, incite the youth, and attempt to overthrow the government by force or public pressure. This is an attempt at a soft coup disguised as civil unrest,” he warned.

Call for High-Level Resignations

Ngetich further demanded that the Inspector General of Police and Cabinet Secretary for Interior and National Administration step down over what he termed “gross failure to preempt and contain the violence.” He accused the National Security Council of “sleeping on the job” despite clear early warnings of impending unrest.“All indicators had pointed to this chaos. Intelligence was there. The messaging on social media was clear. Yet no strategic response was put in place. That level of incompetence or deliberate sabotage demands accountability,” he said.

Criticism of Foreign Missions and ‘Double Standards’

Ngetich also took aim at foreign embassies and missions operating in Kenya, accusing them of hypocrisy and double standards. While many of these missions have supported the right to peaceful assembly and free expression in the country, the activist says their silence on the destruction and violence raises questions.

“In their countries, protests are managed through legal frameworks. Dialogue happens in Parliament. But when it’s Africa — when it’s Kenya — they watch in silence as mobs burn public buildings and beat police officers. Is that the democracy they want for us?”

“Let’s be clear — peaceful protests are protected by our Constitution. But this is not what we saw today. We saw chaos, funded and encouraged by political actors. We are asking these foreign actors to stop backing movements that endanger our sovereignty and peace.”

Youth Question Must Be Addressed — Without Violence

While placing responsibility on political actors, Ngetich also acknowledged that the frustrations expressed by Kenyan youth are real and must not be ignored.

“We cannot pretend that the youth are not suffering. The joblessness, the cost of living, the exclusion from political decision-making — these are legitimate grievances. But how we address these grievances matters. Violence will only make things worse,” he said.

He urged the youth to avoid being used as pawns in political games, and instead engage constructively.

“Prepare your memoranda. Petition Parliament. Submit your proposals for reforms. This country belongs to you too — but destroying it is not the way to reclaim it.”

He also called on Parliament to hold an emergency sitting to deliberate on “the youth question” and formulate policy solutions that go beyond handouts or short-term job programs.

"An Attack on Ruto’s Government Is an Attack on Democracy"

Ngetich was unequivocal in his view that the protests are part of a broader scheme to delegitimize and ultimately remove President William Ruto from office by extra-constitutional means.

“When protestors chant ‘Ruto must go,’ they’re not just airing grievances. They’re echoing a script authored by those who have refused to accept electoral defeat. These are not ordinary protests. This is a well-coordinated cluster movement to dethrone a democratically elected government — and the state must respond with the seriousness this threat demands.”

He concluded by urging the President to act decisively, saying that any hesitation would embolden those seeking to sow chaos.

“Your Excellency, your authority is under direct attack. If the government cannot protect its capital, it is as good as overthrown. It is time to stamp your authority, restore order, and bring those behind this criminal operation to justice — no matter their status or past titles.”