Activist Kipkorir Ngetich Raises Alarm Over "Civilian Coup Plot" Behind Gen-Z Protests, Urges National Dialogue and Security Response

 

 

Prominent Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich has issued a stern and urgent warning to the Government and the public, claiming that the ongoing Gen-Z-led protests across Kenya are no longer organic civic actions, but part of a broader, well-financed plot to destabilize the nation and unseat President William Ruto through what he termed a "civilian coup disguised as youth unrest."

Addressing a press conference in Eldoret following a day of nationwide unrest marked by business closures, school shutdowns, and intermittent clashes between demonstrators and police, Ngetich said the country is staring at a “carefully engineered campaign of anarchy” with the ultimate goal of delegitimizing and toppling the Kenya Kwanza government.

 “What we are witnessing is not just a demonstration. It is a coordinated operation, funded by powerful billionaires both within and outside our borders, who have identified the youth as a vulnerable and energetic tool to execute their hidden agenda. Their goal is not reform — it is regime change, and they are using our young people to achieve it,” said Ngetich.

Economic Sabotage and National Security Concerns

Ngetich termed the situation as a "dangerous trend of massive economic sabotage", pointing to the closure of thousands of businesses in urban centers, destruction of property, and fear among investors as signs of an unfolding crisis. He added that this calculated instability risks plunging the country into a deeper economic slump, undoing years of progress.

“This isn’t just about protests anymore. It's about crippling the economy, creating chaos, drawing international attention, and applying pressure for the President to step down. This pattern is not accidental — it’s strategic, and it’s dangerous,” he warned.

He further noted that the protests are gradually evolving into a national security threat, citing increased reports of looting, arson, and vandalism, particularly targeting symbols of authority and economic hubs.

Call for Immediate Action by State Leadership

The activist called on President William Ruto to urgently convene both a special Cabinet meeting and a session of the National Security Council to review the current crisis and design a comprehensive national response.

“We are beyond political rhetoric. The country is under coordinated attack. The National Security Council must meet immediately and develop mechanisms to counter the threats we are facing, including the infiltration of youth movements, misuse of digital platforms to mobilize violence, and possible foreign interference,” Ngetich stressed.

He also appealed to the President to call for an urgent Kenya Kwanza Parliamentary Group meeting to realign the party’s messaging, reestablish trust with citizens, and initiate a national dialogue.

Misuse of Constitutional Freedoms

While acknowledging that Article 37 of the Constitution allows for peaceful assembly and demonstrations, Ngetich noted that the current protests have veered far off their constitutional mandate.

“Article 37 guarantees peaceful protest, not armed confrontation, destruction of public property, or harassment of law enforcement. What we are seeing is an abuse of this right. It is now a tool for coercion, intimidation, and political warfare,” he argued.

Concern Over Police Safety and Tribal Infiltration

In his remarks, Ngetich also condemned growing hostility against police officers, warning that the deliberate targeting of security personnel is part of a broader strategy to demoralize the state and fragment the disciplined forces.

“There’s an active attempt to paint our security forces as enemies of the people. This is dangerous. These officers are fathers, mothers, brothers, and sisters — they are working under extreme pressure to keep order. We must protect and support them, not vilify them,” he said.

He further alleged that the organizers of the protests are attempting to infiltrate security services along tribal lines, a move that he said could have far-reaching implications for national unity.

“Once you politicize and ethnicize the security apparatus, you risk civil unrest. This is not just a protest—it is a power play with dangerous ethnic overtones, and we must stop it before it's too late,” Ngetich emphasized.

Call for Dialogue Over Destruction

Despite his firm stance against the manner in which the protests are unfolding, Ngetich said he believes in dialogue as the ultimate solution to the current crisis. He challenged the government to take the lead in initiating an inclusive and structured national conversation that addresses youth unemployment, governance concerns, and economic reforms.

“Kenya is not without challenges. But these challenges cannot be solved through chaos. Dialogue is not weakness—it is leadership. The government must listen, but not bow to blackmail. We must open doors for conversation, not windows for anarchy,” he said.

Ngetich also called on the media and civil society to stop romanticizing the protests and to interrogate the deeper forces at play behind the scenes.

“The media must rise to the occasion and stop glorifying what is fast becoming a well-funded insurgency. The civil society must also be honest—this is no longer a youth movement; it is a power-driven campaign fueled by hidden hands,” he said.

A Call to the Nation

In conclusion, Ngetich urged all Kenyans, especially the youth, to exercise discernment and not allow themselves to be used as instruments of political chaos.

“We are all patriots. Let us not destroy what we have built for decades. Let us not allow a few selfish individuals to hijack our nation’s destiny for their personal gain. We have a country to protect — and that begins now.”

The activist’s remarks come at a time when national tensions continue to rise, with planned protests, social media campaigns, and international reactions intensifying. The government is yet to issue a comprehensive statement addressing Ngetich’s concerns.