You’re playing with fire! Makau Mutua slams protests looters

Presidential advisor Makau Mutua has criticised acts of looting and destruction witnessed during the June 25 protests, warning that such behaviour risks plunging the country into anarchy.

In a statement shared on social media, Mutua questioned the logic behind damaging public and private property under the guise of protest.

“Kenyans: How does it help any of us if some of us loot supermarkets, vandalise ATMs, burn official/private vehicles, and torch police stations in the name of protests?” he posed.

He warned that the growing pattern of lawlessness threatens the nation’s stability.

“This is how anarchy engulfs nations. You are playing with fire, and won’t have a country if this continues,” Mutua added.

He said that the Constitution doesn’t guarantee or protect violent protest, looting, or mayhem.

"What I saw yesterday isn’t what the framers intended. That’s how nations fail. Conversely, officers who use unjustifiable or excessive force must be held to account,'' he said.

His comments come in the wake of widespread demonstrations led largely by Gen Z protesters, who took to the streets in major towns to commemorate those who died during last year’s anti-tax protests.

However, peaceful commemorations were marred in some areas by violence, looting, and destruction of property.

On Thursday, the Co-operative Bank confirmed that two of its branches, in Githurai and Dagoretti Market, were affected during Wednesday’s anti-Finance Bill protests that swept across parts of Nairobi and other major towns.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the bank reported that one ATM machine at the Githurai branch was forcefully tampered with during the unrest.

Preliminary reports indicated that cash, allegedly amounting to over Sh1 million, may have been looted in the incident.

However, the bank clarified that the actual cash loss was minimal, and no injuries were reported among staff or customers at either location.

"Repairs have commenced immediately, and both branches will be fully operational in the coming days," the bank assured.

Customers from the affected branches have been advised to access services at the nearest Co-op Bank outlets or through mobile and online platforms.

The incident occurred on a day marked by widespread demonstrations organised largely by Kenya’s youth, popularly referred to as Gen Z.