Eldoret-based human rights activist and civic leader Kipkorir Ngetich has strongly condemned what he describes as “a descent into sponsored anarchy and urban terrorism” in Nairobi, following several days of violent demonstrations, looting, and confrontations with police. In a lengthy statement issued to media outlets, Ngetich expressed outrage at the unchecked disorder witnessed in recent days and warned that Kenya was “standing at the edge of a dangerous precipice.”
According to Ngetich, the ongoing street demonstrations—initially billed as peaceful protests—have morphed into coordinated attacks on the peace and stability of the nation. He dismissed the events as illegitimate, asserting that they no longer meet the threshold of constitutional picketing and are instead being used by “organized and well-funded criminal networks” to wreak havoc.
“What we are witnessing is not a spontaneous or constitutionally protected expression of public dissent,” Ngetich said. “This is a calculated attempt to destabilize the capital city and derail ongoing legal processes. It is clear that these are not protestors exercising their democratic rights, but goons and hooligans emboldened by sponsors whose aim is to sow fear, division, and violence among citizens.”
Ngetich further questioned the motives behind the protests, suggesting that they may be an orchestrated diversion meant to shift attention from the ongoing investigations into the killing of Mr. Ojwang, a case that has sparked national outrage. The case, he pointed out, is currently being investigated by multiple institutions including the Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA), the National Assembly, the Kenya Police Service, and various human rights agencies.
“Why would anyone who genuinely seeks justice for Ojwang want to obstruct investigations through violence and chaos?” he asked. “We must ask ourselves—who stands to benefit from a disrupted investigation? It is possible, even likely, that the same forces responsible for his death are now working to muddy the waters, create instability, and push for the resignation of Deputy Inspector General Lagat, who has become a convenient scapegoat.”
In a sharp rebuke to the Inspector General of Police, Ngetich called for immediate and firm action to restore order and safeguard the lives and property of innocent Kenyans caught in the crossfire. “We need to hear from the Inspector General—does he have the power, legitimacy, and constitutional mandate to act, or has he surrendered that duty? Is the Kenyan Constitution still operational, or has it been suspended to give space for anarchy to flourish in our streets?”
He lamented the growing sense of lawlessness in the capital, where criminal gangs are reportedly looting businesses, attacking security officers, and setting vehicles and public infrastructure ablaze, often in broad daylight. “It is terrifying that criminals now feel empowered to challenge law enforcement directly. This breakdown of order must not be allowed to continue,” Ngetich said.
The activist warned that the rights of law-abiding citizens were being trampled in the name of protest, and cautioned against creating a dangerous precedent. “Since when did the rights of demonstrators outweigh the rights of those trying to live, work, and move about peacefully in their own country?” he posed. “Kenya must not be turned into a nation where rebellion and disobedience are celebrated while those upholding law and order are vilified.”
He commended President William Ruto for committing to impartial and efficient investigations into Ojwang’s killing but emphasized that justice cannot be achieved through destruction and intimidation. “The President has shown leadership by allowing institutions to do their work. Now, he must also take firm control of the situation and use his constitutional authority to protect the republic from descending into chaos.”
In addition to his call for security action, Ngetich urged the National Assembly to launch a parallel probe into the rise of tribal incitement, hate speech, and political radicalization that he said is tearing the country apart. “Let the same urgency and energy devoted to the Ojwang case be applied to investigating the political sponsors and instigators of this violence. We need to expose and hold accountable those who thrive on the suffering of others.”
Ngetich expressed particular concern about the youth who form the bulk of the demonstrators. “We are seeing a generation spiraling into rebellion and self-destruction. These are our children—young men and women in their twenties who, rather than contributing positively to the nation’s future, are being misled into violence and destruction,” he lamented.
He called for a renewed national effort to instill discipline, civic responsibility, and respect for the rule of law. “Democracy is not chaos. Freedom is not destruction. The Constitution does not give anyone the right to terrorize others in the name of justice. We must balance our condemnation of police brutality with an equally strong rejection of hooliganism and criminality.”
In his final remarks, Ngetich demanded accountability from both the Interior Cabinet Secretary and the Inspector General of Police. “They must decide whether they want to preside over a lawful nation or watch it burn under their watch. Kenya needs decisive leadership now more than ever. If they cannot deliver it, then they should respectfully step aside.”
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