State Launches Probe Into Organizers, Financiers Of June 25 Protests

The government has launched investigations to identify and arrest the organizers and financiers behind the June 25, 2025 protests.

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen, during a press briefing on Thursday, said authorities have credible evidence that the planners intended to storm State House and Parliament.

Murkomen said security agencies successfully prevented what he termed an attempted coup. “The Inspector General of Police, through the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, is investigating and will bring to justice the organizers and financiers of this well-orchestrated campaign of violence. I want Kenyans to rest assured that the government will pursue justice relentlessly on behalf of all affected citizens,” he said.

He defended the police response during the protests, insisting no excessive force was used. Murkomen also dismissed criticism from the church and foreign diplomats, saying they cannot speak for the police. “I want to thank the police for the best job well done,” he added.

Meanwhile, the Law Society of Kenya (LSK) has raised alarm over reports of hired goons being deployed during the demonstrations in Nairobi and Eldoret. LSK President Faith Odhiambo said the presence of armed criminals among peaceful protesters endangered lives and caused massive destruction.

“In particular, we take great exception to reports of armed goons being deployed against protesters in Nairobi and Eldoret,” Odhiambo said in a statement.

She also condemned the excessive use of force by police officers, noting that eight people died, over 400 were injured, and 61 arrested during the protests. “We condemn the tendency of law enforcement to respond to democratic expression with violence and undue force. Such actions are contrary to Article 244 of the Constitution and must end,” she said.

Odhiambo further criticized those who looted businesses and burned public buildings, including Kikuyu and Ol Kalou law courts.

In Nairobi’s Central Business District, business owners woke up to huge losses after shops were looted and vandalized during the protests. Similar scenes were witnessed in Thika, Nyeri, Olkalau, Ongata Rongai, Othaya, Kikuyu, and Karatina.

Along Moi Avenue, Tom Mboya Street, Luthuli Avenue, River Road, and Ronald Ngala Street, several shops were broken into. At the OTC roundabout, Moonstar Hotel was set on fire and Quickmart Supermarket looted. A businesswoman at the scene said she lost stock worth over Sh800,000.

“I didn’t expect this after the government promised us security. I don’t know where to begin,” she said.

By Thursday morning, business and transport activities had resumed in parts of Nairobi, though the scars of the chaos remained.

Security agencies praised officers from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, GSU, and teams from Juja, Ruiru, and Githurai for preventing crowds from Kiambu and Thika from reaching the city centre. Officials said if the group had made it to Nairobi, the capital could have been overwhelmed.