Continued abductions, threats will fuel civil unrest, section of leaders warn

The government has been warned that continued repression, abductions and inflammatory rhetoric will only escalate the situation, with leaders calling for a return to democratic principles and dialogue.

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi has criticised the state’s heavy-handed response to the recent Gen Z-led protests, cautioning that the use of force and threats will intensify public outrage rather than contain it.

Mwangangi urged the government to abandon its confrontational stance and instead engage directly with young people to address their concerns.

“Abducting Kenyans and talking tough will not solve anything. In fact, it is doing the government more harm than good,” Mwangangi said on Saturday during an awards gala in Mavoko.

“Threatening Gen Z with shoot-to-kill orders is only going to harden them further.”

His remarks came hours after President William Ruto convened a high-level security meeting at State House following Wednesday’s deadly anti-Finance Bill protests. During the meeting, the President insisted that the government “will not be shaken” by ongoing demonstrations.

Mwangangi, however, warned that such rhetoric risks inflaming tensions.

“If the government does not change its tactics, more protests should be expected in the coming days. This is not just about the Finance Bill anymore—it’s about governance, accountability, and respect for citizens’ rights,” he said.

A joint report by Amnesty International and the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) indicated that at least 19 people were killed in the nationwide protests, while more than 530 others, including protesters, journalists, and police officers, suffered injuries from gunshots, rubber bullets or physical assault.

The KNCHR also documented 15 enforced disappearances and 179 arrests in its preliminary findings following the June 25 protests.

Calling for a return to democratic values, Mwangangi said national leaders must choose dialogue over repression.

“Please engage with the youth. Sit down with them and listen, because talking tough will not help. And remember, do not lie to them. Give them what they want,” he said.

He stressed that the youth should not be treated as adversaries.

“These young people are not enemies of the state. They are citizens calling for a better Kenya. Leadership means carrying the aspirations of those you lead, not silencing them,” he said.

At the same time, Interior Principal Secretary Raymond Omollo has issued a stern warning to individuals involved in criminal activities during the demonstrations, vowing they will face prosecution.

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Speaking on Sunday during a church service in Mathare North, Omollo acknowledged that the youth were driven by genuine frustrations but noted that criminal elements hijacked the protests to unleash destruction.

“Our youth came to the streets for good reasons, but criminals infiltrated the demos to cause chaos and destruction of property. We will do everything possible to ensure that every individual involved in unlawful acts is brought to book,” he said.

Omollo emphasised the need for collective responsibility, urging youth, parents, and leaders to uphold discipline and contribute to nation-building.

“Discipline is needed for us to have a country that is forward-moving,” he noted, adding that Kenya’s crisis is not only political but also societal, requiring the involvement of all stakeholders, including religious institutions.

He also criticised politicians who incite youth into protests while keeping their own children at home.

“Those leaders will not be there to defend you. They will be in the comfort of their homes, and they will not allow their children to go to the streets,” he said.

The PS urged young people to reject manipulation by what he termed “bad leaders” and warned that criminal acts under the guise of protest would not be tolerated.

“The government will not allow criminal acts to be used as a vehicle for advancing political interests. Let us give our leaders the space to deliver for the country. When elections come, Kenyans will decide,” he said.

“Sell your agenda peacefully without disrupting the peace of the country.”