MURANG’A, Kenya – Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro has launched a scathing attack on the government over its handling of the deadly Saba Saba protests, accusing top security officials of negligence and failure to prevent violence despite a hefty national intelligence budget.
Speaking on Thursday, July 10, Nyoro said it was unacceptable that chaos of such magnitude could erupt despite prior warnings and a strong police presence in major towns across the country.
“Was there intelligence that there was mayhem to be meted on the people of Kenya?” Nyoro asked. “If not, I want to remind the government that taxpayers give them Sh50 billion for intelligence gathering alone.”
The outspoken MP questioned how protesters were able to cause such widespread destruction and loss of life if security agencies were properly briefed and prepared.
“If they didn’t know there would be chaos, they have no business calling themselves a government. And if they did know, why did it escalate to that level?” he posed. “If the government cannot protect the lives and property of the people of Kenya, then what’s your work?”
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His comments come in the wake of the July 7 demonstrations, which turned violent in multiple counties.
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 31 people were killed, among them a 12-year-old girl reportedly hit by a stray bullet in her home. Over 100 others were injured, and more than 500 arrested.
Nyoro’s remarks add to mounting criticism over the government’s response to the protests, which were largely youth-led and sparked by public outrage over high taxes and governance issues.
Human rights groups have condemned the police for using excessive force, while questions continue to swirl over the alleged deployment of plainclothes armed agents during the unrest.
The Kiharu legislator, a former close ally of President William Ruto, has recently broken ranks with the Kenya Kwanza administration, echoing calls for urgent reforms and accountability at the highest levels of government.
He joins a growing list of leaders—from the opposition and within government ranks—who are now demanding transparency over how security decisions are made, and whether intelligence lapses are undermining national stability.
