NAKURU, Kenya – Agriculture Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe has warned that ongoing anti-government demonstrations led by Gen Z youth are being infiltrated by criminal elements bent on causing chaos, looting and destruction.
Speaking in Nakuru on Friday during a tour of agricultural projects, Kagwe affirmed the constitutional right to peaceful protest but condemned the increasing cases of violence and property damage witnessed in recent weeks.
“It is not our children. It’s not the Gen Z demonstrators who were doing those things,” Kagwe said, distancing the youthful protest movement from recent incidents of vandalism and looting.
He cited the torching of a National Cereals and Produce Board (NCPB) facility in Maua, Meru County as a clear example of criminal infiltration.
“That is criminality. That is not what Gen Z are doing. Don’t be cheated,” he told residents.
“Are you saying it was your children who demonstrated and destroyed property in Maua or stormed police stations? Those are not your children.”
Protests Exploited by Criminal Networks
Kagwe alleged that organised criminal groups are exploiting the ongoing unrest to conduct illegal operations under the cover of mass demonstrations.
“Some people plan these things knowing there will be protests, so they hide behind the demonstrators and loot,” he said.
The CS urged citizens to exercise civic responsibility and safeguard both public and private property during protests.
“We’re asking you to take responsibility. Protect our resources so we don’t lose livelihoods and destroy what we’ve built.”
‘Demonstration Is Not Destruction’
Kagwe reiterated that peaceful protest is protected under the Constitution, comparing Kenya’s situation to France, where regular demonstrations occur without widespread destruction.
“Demonstrations are fine — they are protected by law. But violence and looting are not part of that right.”
He called on Kenyans to defend democratic rights without descending into anarchy.
“We must ensure criminals don’t hijack our democracy. This is not politics — it’s the truth. We must protect our freedom without destroying our country.”
