Kenyans rally behind #WeAreAllKikuyus, condemn tribal profiling following Saba Saba protests
The trend #WeAreAllKikuyus emerged on Monday evening after some online narratives accused the Kikuyu community of being behind the chaos and destruction that marked the demonstrations.
Kenyans online have launched a campaign under the hashtag #WeAreAllKikuyus in response to accusations that members of the Kikuyu community orchestrated the violence and looting witnessed during the July 7, Saba Saba protests.
The trend #WeAreAllKikuyus emerged on Monday evening after some online narratives accused the Kikuyu community of being behind the chaos and destruction that marked the demonstrations.
More To Read
- UNICEF demands children’s protection after Bridgit Njoki, 12, killed in Saba Saba protests
- Ruto clashes with courts over roadblocks ban, accuses Judiciary of undermining security
- Gachagua unveils 8-point plan to end protests, slams Ruto over housing levy, police brutality
- Ruto orders police to shoot looters in the leg, not kill during protests crackdown
- Kenya's crisis not ethnic or generational, but leadership failure, says ex-Chief Justice Maraga
- High court bars police from barricading roads within Nairobi CBD during street protests
The campaign, now trending at number one in Kenya, features Kenyans posting their full names, photos and counties of origin, each followed by the phrase “#WeAreAllKikuyus” in a symbolic rejection of tribal division.
Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua joined the campaign, posting a photo of himself in Kikuyu cultural attire with the message; “I am Rigathi Gachagua Reriani. I am from Nyeri. #WeAreAllKikuyus”
People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua also took part posting; “My name is Martha Akinyi Chebet Karua. #WeAreAllKikuyus”
Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) leader Eugene Wamalwa added; “My name is Eugene Wanjohi Wamalwa, I come from Kitale. #WeAreAllKikuyus”
Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka also joined in with: “My name is Stephen Kariuki Musyoka.#WeAreAllKikuyus”
Vocal Africa CEO Hussein Khalid also posted saying; “Hussein Ndirangu Khalid. #WeAreAllKikuyus”
The campaign has also sparked commentary from several Kenyans on X, with many users denouncing attempts to ethnically profile the Kikuyu community in connection with the Saba Saba demonstrations.
A user identified as Oduok clarified the meaning of the viral hashtag, stating:
“‘We are all Kikuyus’ simply means we are letting the government know that this movement is not a Kikuyu thing. If they think it is, then we are all Kikuyus.”
Another user, Juma G, raised concern over a growing ethnic narrative, particularly in Kisumu, cautioning: “There is a dangerous Kikuyu narrative being peddled around, especially in Kisumu. Please do not fall for this tribal narrative. Their main survival now is ‘political ethnic cleansing’.”
Zion Pearl questioned the logic behind blaming Kikuyus for the unrest.
“You can’t convince me that Kikuyus would suddenly wake up and destroy their livelihoods and communities… Always ask why.”
Mutuma O'Nkanata added, “Scapegoating Kikuyus isn’t only dishonest, but also an insult to the intelligence of a nation that has endured, learned, and risen above ethnic manipulation.”
Other Topics To Read
A user identified as Pazienza weighed in on the conversation, accusing the government of stoking ethnic tensions to deflect from the real issues behind the ongoing protests.
“The government is falsely claiming that it’s only Kikuyus who are demonstrating. This is an attempt to incite tribal tensions. ‘We are all Kikuyus’ means Kenyans are all being oppressed by a broken system,” the user wrote.
Meanwhile, the security fallout from the Saba Saba protests continues to draw concern. The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) updated its casualty figures on Tuesday evening, reporting that 31 people were killed, 107 injured, two forcibly disappeared, and 532 arrested during and after the July 7 protests.
“The Commission is still actively monitoring and following up on all reports and incidents related to the July 7, 2025, Saba Saba demonstrations across the country,” KHRC vice-chairperson Raymond Nyeris said.
The Commission condemned all human rights violations and called for accountability from both state and non-state actors.
“We strongly condemn all human rights violations and urge accountability from all responsible parties, including police, civilians, and all other stakeholders,” the KHRC said.
The human rights body also extended condolences to affected families, acknowledging the extensive destruction of property whose value has yet to be determined.
The Police Reforms Working Group (PRWG) slammed the state for deploying a militarised masked unit, saying it violated court rulings.
“Heavily armed police with military-grade weapons were deployed in violation of court orders, using masks and unmarked vehicles to conceal their identities,” the group said.
Eyewitness footage circulating online has shown disturbing scenes of the masked officers allegedly firing into residential buildings, escalating public outrage and raising concerns about a shadowy force acting beyond oversight.
As tribal tensions threaten to derail the public discourse, Kenyans online continue to use the #WeAreAllKikuyus hashtag to call for national unity, accountability and a shift away from identity politics.
Top Stories Today
