Former Mukurweini MP Kabando wa Kabando has faulted both the state’s forceful handling of protests and the opposition’s growing closeness to a government it once vowed to keep in check, saying the betrayal of public trust is deepening frustrations among Kenyans.

Speaking on Spice FM on Friday, just two days after nationwide protests on June 25, Kabando accused the police of ignoring earlier promises to protect peaceful demonstrators, and instead using roadblocks and tear gas to suppress them.

“We had a police spokesperson giving assurances of providing security, but instead, in the morning, we saw roads being blocked,” he said.

He described the actions as a clear violation of the rights of protestors, stating, “Who contravened the law? It was obviously those who blocked the peaceful protest.”

Kabando also criticised the treatment of grieving families who were commemorating victims of previous protests, saying they were denied dignity and compassion by being blocked throughout the day.

“They were blocked the whole day,” he said. “We would have expected that they would have been escorted, allowed to lay their flowers.”

He said the show of empathy by law enforcement could have helped ease tensions instead of worsening the situation.

Kabando further placed blame on President William Ruto, whom he called the ultimate custodian of national unity. He argued that the violent crackdown reflects deeper leadership failures, not just the actions of the police.

“These protests are more than just street demonstrations they are a cry for dignity, justice, and accountability,” Kabando asserted.

His comments come as civil society groups, including the Central Organization of Trade Unions (COTU), continue to speak out against the repression, with growing public anger over the state’s response to the unrest.

At least 10 people were confirmed dead during the protests, according to Transport Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, who said investigations are still ongoing to determine the full toll and exact causes.

Rights groups, including Amnesty International, have placed the number of fatalities at 16, while also citing widespread injuries.

“Over 400 people were injured, close to 300 being police officers, some left with injuries they will carry for the rest of their lives,” Murkomen said.

He also revealed that several key public installations were attacked and damaged during the unrest.

“At least nine police stations were attacked, five of which were torched, including Dagoretti, Molo, and Ol Kalou. Eighty-eight police vehicles were destroyed. A total of 27 national and county government vehicles were damaged, while 65 civilian vehicles including a school bus were burnt at various police stations,” he said.