President William Ruto has met with top security officials at State House following the deadly June 25 protests that swept across several towns in Kenya, leaving at least 16 people dead and hundreds injured.

During the closed-door meeting, the president urged security and administration officers to take charge in promoting peace and protecting national stability amid what the government describes as a deliberate attempt to destabilise the country.

Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja, his deputies, and the Director of Criminal Investigations were among those present.

Ruto told the officers to lead efforts in uniting the country while remaining firm in defending its peace and institutions.

The meeting came a day after President Ruto blamed the chaos on what he called a “well-planned and unconstitutional attempt at regime change,” insisting the government has gathered evidence on the organisers and financiers of the unrest.

He labelled the protests “calculated chaos” and “economic sabotage,” pointing to the scale of destruction witnessed across various towns.

The demonstrations broke out in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisii, Nyeri, Nakuru, and Eldoret, led mostly by young protesters demanding justice for victims of police brutality, governance reforms, and accountability from state agencies. Police responded with heavy deployment, including the use of live ammunition in some areas to disperse crowds.

Widespread damage was reported.

Businesses were looted or vandalised, government offices attacked, and power infrastructure affected. Kenya Power confirmed that a security guard was shot and killed outside its Stima Plaza offices during the protests, sparking public outrage and adding pressure on security agencies to explain their actions.

Amnesty International reported that at least 16 people lost their lives, while more than 400 were injured during the clashes. Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen added that over 300 police officers were also injured, with some said to have suffered life-changing wounds.

According to the government, nine police stations were attacked—five of them torched—including in Dagoretti, Molo, and Ol Kalou.

A total of 88 police vehicles were destroyed, along with more than 90 other government and private vehicles. Five firearms were stolen from Dagoretti Police Post, while four others were burned at Gachui Police Post.