Wamuzi News Ke
In a stunning move that has triggered national uproar, the government on Sunday night hastily deleted a tweet that accused unnamed groups of planning to unleash “goons” during Monday’s nationwide protests.
The now-deleted tweet, posted on the official Ministry of Interior X (formerly Twitter) account, warned Kenyans to remain vigilant and suggested that the protests—set to intensify across major cities—would be infiltrated by violent elements. The warning was met with instant backlash from civil society groups, legal experts, and opposition leaders, many of whom described it as an attempt to intimidate the public and delegitimize constitutionally-protected demonstrations.
“This kind of language, coming from an official government platform, is dangerous. It criminalizes protest and undermines freedom of assembly,” said constitutional lawyer Macharia Githu.
Public Outcry Forces Government Reversal
Within hours of posting, screenshots of the tweet had already gone viral, sparking a digital storm across social media. Hashtags like #DeleteTheThreat and #StopTheGoonsNarrative began trending by midnight, prompting a swift reaction from State House. By early morning Monday, the tweet had been pulled down without explanation.
Sources within the Office of the Government Spokesperson confirmed that the decision to delete the tweet came after “heated internal consultations” and direct intervention by senior State House officials, who feared it could escalate tensions just hours before the protests.
“There was concern that the tweet would be perceived as a provocation rather than a caution,” said the source, speaking on condition of anonymity.
Opposition Responds
Azimio la Umoja leaders condemned the government’s messaging, accusing the state of using fear tactics instead of addressing the root causes of public discontent. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga termed the move “cowardly and reckless,” insisting that peaceful protests would proceed as planned.
“The people have a right to speak out. Attempts to paint them as thugs will not work,” Raila said during a press briefing on Monday morning.
Protest Organizers Unmoved
Despite the government’s initial tweet and its later retraction, protest organizers maintained that their demonstrations are peaceful and constitutionally anchored. Groups involved in the nationwide action—including university student unions, civil society coalitions, and religious organizations—have reaffirmed their commitment to non-violence.
“We will not be intimidated by threats or propaganda. The youth of this country are awake, and they will march for justice,” said youth leader Njeri Wamaitha during a protest coordination meeting held in Nairobi.
Security Tightens Amid Tension
Security agencies have since heightened their presence in urban centers, with increased patrols spotted across Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa. While police officials insist their deployment is purely precautionary, protestors fear possible crackdowns.
The National Police Service has not issued an official statement about the deleted tweet, but insiders suggest a directive was issued instructing officers to refrain from using force unless provoked.
What This Means for the Ruto Administration
This incident marks yet another communications misstep by the Kenya Kwanza administration, which is already under fire for what critics say is growing authoritarianism and poor handling of dissent. The tweet controversy adds to a string of public relations blunders, raising questions about internal coordination and public trust.
Political analyst Dr. Irene Kilonzo noted, “The deletion of the tweet doesn’t erase its impact. It tells us that the state is feeling the heat and perhaps losing the moral high ground in the public narrative.”
As the protests begin to unfold across the country, all eyes remain on how the government will respond—not just on the streets, but online too. One thing is certain: the deletion of the tweet has done little to calm a nation already on edge.
