The government has strongly denounced the violent scenes that rocked parts of the country during Wednesday’s demonstrations, with Deputy President Kithure Kindiki calling the unrest one of the darkest moments in Kenya’s recent history.

Addressing residents in Kambu, Kibwezi East, Kindiki described the destruction and loss of life as unprecedented, equating it to the chaos witnessed during the 2007/08 post-election violence.

“As someone who has been in politics for some time, I can say with certainty — what we witnessed yesterday was the most violent and anarchist day in our country since 2007/08. It was unprecedented,” he said.

Kindiki described the protests as shameful and lawless, blaming the unrest on those who incited the youth under the guise of defending constitutional freedoms. He pointed fingers at sections of the religious community, accusing some leaders of misleading young people into taking part in destructive actions.

“There are churches and religious organisations that urged the youth to be responsible, but others incited them, telling them to exercise their rights however they wished. I want to ask those leaders — was the destruction we saw yesterday the kind of ‘freedom’ you were advocating?” he posed.

He also questioned the role of some foreign envoys, whom he claimed emboldened the protesters through public statements. “There are envoys who told our young people that no one could stop them from exercising their rights. I ask them — is the violence and destruction we witnessed what you intended? Is that the result you were seeking?”

Conveying a message from President William Ruto, Kindiki said the government would not tolerate another episode of lawlessness and was ready to act decisively to protect the country’s peace and order.

“We will not let our country slide into anarchy, chaos, or lawlessness. What happened is a turning point. We will do whatever it takes to protect the integrity and stability of our nation,” he said.

While stressing the administration’s commitment to upholding rights such as free speech and freedom of thought, Kindiki warned that such liberties should not be used to promote destruction. “We will not interfere with freedoms — but we will not allow anyone to descend this country into mayhem,” he said.

The Deputy President also disclosed that police stations were burned down and firearms stolen during the chaos, a development he said pointed to a larger plot hidden behind the demonstrations.

“This was not just spontaneous unrest. The looting of weapons confirms there were hidden intentions far more sinister than initially perceived. That is why I am saying — never again will we allow Kenya to be taken down that path.”