Anatomy of a Hijacking: When Commemoration Becomes a Coup Attempt

Yesterday, June 25th, was etched into our national consciousness not as a solemn day of remembrance, but as a chilling demonstration of how easily genuine grief can be perverted into a tool for political machination. What was ostensibly organized by a section of our youth, Gen Z, to honor the fallen heroes of last year's June 25th protests, quickly devolved into something far more sinister: a meticulously planned and politically motivated attempt to destabilize our nation. This was not a protest; as Interior Cabinet Secretary Hon. Kipchumba Murkomen rightly asserted, it was "terrorism disguised as dissent," an "unconstitutional attempt to change the regime."

                                Ol Kalau Divisional Headquarters torched during the protests of June 25 first anniversary.

The veneer of commemoration was thin, almost transparent, revealing the ugly underbelly of hatred, vengeance, and outright sabotage that characterized these events. Across the country, a coordinated campaign of destruction unfolded, leaving a trail of wreckage and fear. In Nyeri, supermarkets and properties belonging to government-aligned Members of Parliament were systematically targeted and destroyed. Dagoretti witnessed the audacious torching of police stations, a direct assault on the very institutions meant to uphold law and order. Embu and Nyahururu saw extensive destruction and vandalism of county properties. These were not random acts of frustration; they were clear, calculated acts of sabotage, designed to bring the government to its knees and sow widespread chaos.

CS Murkomen, with commendable candor, laid bare the sheer irresponsibility and insatiable hunger for power that has gripped some of our leaders. He revealed the deliberate, coordinated, funded, and premeditated nature of these riots, emphasizing that the chaos had nothing to do with freedom of expression or constitutional rights. The chilling objective, as he detailed, was to seize symbols of authority like State House and Parliament, showcasing a false regime change. This was a direct attack on our democratic foundations, an attempt to usurp power through illegal means.

This audacious scheme was not born overnight. It was the toxic culmination of weeks, even months, of relentless vitriol spewed by known political figures. These individuals, often amplified by a compliant and complicit section of the media, engaged in a familiar rhetoric designed to intimidate our police service and incite a segment of the population against their own government. Utterances, veiled and overt, encouraged a climate of defiance, painting law enforcement as an enemy and setting the stage for the violence we witnessed. The constant barrage of negative narratives, devoid of factual basis and often laced with tribal undertones, worked to systematically erode trust and create an environment ripe for manipulation.

We owe an immense debt of gratitude to our police service. In the face of extreme provocation, including direct assaults and attempts to steal firearms, they exercised remarkable restraint, coupled with unwavering firmness and determination. Their professional conduct undoubtedly thwarted what could have been a far greater catastrophe. Imagine the scenario if our police had succumbed to the bait of excessive force; the narrative would have instantly shifted, playing directly into the hands of those who seek to demonize the state and escalate unrest. Their measured response, even amidst injury to over 300 officers and the theft of five firearms, speaks volumes about their commitment to maintaining peace and upholding the law.

To our young people, especially our Gen Z, who represent the future and the very hope of this nation, I issue a solemn and urgent appeal: Be in charge of your destiny. Do not allow yourselves to be used as mere pawns in a game that has been hijacked by a very callous, vicious, and bloody cabal. These political puppeteers do not care about your aspirations, your struggles, or your future. They are driven by a thirst for vengeance and power, willing to sacrifice your innocence and your well-being at the altar of their political ambitions.

Your energy, your idealism, and your desire for change are invaluable. But they must be channeled constructively, through legitimate means and democratic processes. Do not fall victim to the siren call of those who promise quick fixes through chaos and destruction. Real change, lasting change, is built through dialogue, engagement, and patient advocacy, not through burning businesses, vandalizing public property, or attacking those sworn to protect us.

We, as a nation, must be vigilant. We must stand together against these evil schemes of people seeking vengeance at the altar of Kenyans' well-being. Let us reject the divisive rhetoric, the incitement to violence, and the cynical manipulation of our youth. Let us instead recommit ourselves to fostering a society where differences are resolved through peaceful means, where progress is achieved through collaboration, and where the sacrifices of our heroes are truly honoured through unity and nation-building, not through destructive political games. The future of Kenya depends on our collective wisdom and resolve to choose peace over chaos, and construction over destruction.

Ndungata