The political heat generated by leaders over who is responsible for the deaths and destruction of properties during the recent protests across the country has alarmed political observers who are warning that it risks plunging the nation into chaos in the 2027 electoral contest.
Politicians allied to the broad-based government have called for the arrest of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua over alleged links to the chaos during the Wednesday, June 25, Gen Z memorial protests, while the former DP has also hit back, accusing the State of being behind the wanton destruction.
Led by National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula, Majority Leader Aaron Cheruyot, and President Ruto’s aide Farouk Kibet, the leaders condemned the violence, terming it “planned terrorism” by the opposition.
“Anybody can picket or demonstrate or present a petition to any office. Now that what happened on Wednesday, I wanted to hear the bishops on whether they saw the mayhem that occurred and whether it was the right thing,” Wetangula stated.
They urged the ODPP and Judiciary to act swiftly, blaming the opposition for anarchy, destruction of property, and loss of lives.
“Last year, there were demonstrations in Liverpool. Within 3 weeks, all those who destroyed property were jailed. 2 weeks ago, there were protests in Los Angeles, as we speak today, all those who destroyed public property are in jail,” Cheruiyot pointed out.
On his part, the former Deputy President blamed his former boss, President William Ruto, for using excessive force against unarmed protesters, terming that the country has been turned into a police state.
“In the strongest terms possible, I condemn the use of excessive force and live bullets by the Police on peaceful and unarmed Gen-Z protesters witnessed yesterday across the country,” Gachagua said in a statement on June 26, 2025.
High Court Advocate and Political Commentator Evans Ogada Ogada told The Eastleigh Voice that reckless blame games by politicians are a recipe for violence in the 2027 electoral contest, which is likely to be knife-edge.
“Yes, politicians trading blame over chaotic protests could fuel violence and ethnic animosity in the 2027 elections. For example, one politician’s controversial claim that “there will be no elections in 2027” has already heightened tensions, with some interpreting it as a strategy to extend the current regime’s power,” said Ogada.
He avers that such rhetoric, combined with the aftermath of violent protests such as looting, arson, and deaths, risks deepening divisions and mobilising groups along ethnic or political lines, mirroring patterns seen in other polarised contexts where elite incitement escalated conflicts.
He warns that politicians’ blame-shifting also erodes trust in institutions, legitimises grievances, and may embolden extremist factions, similar to how misinformation and elite rhetoric fueled the US Capitol riot.
Pro-government legislators have demanded the arrest of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua for allegedly inciting Kenyans into violence for his political gain.
The MPs, led by Kimilili Member of Parliament Didmus Barasa, accused the former DP of reportedly hiring goons from central Kenya to destroy properties in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD).
“We are demanding the immediate arrest of the former DP who has been on record sounding drums of war, inciting our young people against individuals who do not subscribe to his political ideology,” Barasa claimed.
