By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, 21 June 2026 - Kenya's political temperatures rose sharply on Sunday after Deputy President Kithure Kindiki issued a stern warning ahead of planned opposition-led protests, declaring that security agencies will deal decisively with anyone involved in looting, violence or destruction of property during the demonstrations.
Speaking during a fundraiser in Soy Constituency, Uasin Gishu County, Kindiki said the government would safeguard both the constitutional right to protest and the rights of millions of Kenyans who choose not to participate in the demonstrations.
His remarks come amid heightened political tensions over the Finance Bill, 2026, and renewed calls by opposition leaders for nationwide protests, setting the stage for a potentially explosive confrontation between the government and its critics.
"There will be no room for lawbreakers to perpetrate crimes in the name of demonstrations," Kindiki said, warning that security agencies would not allow criminal elements to infiltrate protests and disrupt businesses or public order.
The Deputy President emphasized that while demonstrations are protected under the Constitution, the government would not tolerate acts of violence, looting or attacks on innocent citizens.
"Everyone will be protected, those participating in the demonstrations and those not participating," he said.
In some of his strongest remarks yet, Kindiki accused organizers of the planned protests of relying on misinformation regarding the Finance Bill, arguing that Parliament had already clarified contentious issues surrounding the legislation.
According to the Deputy President, the Bill does not introduce new taxes and the government has no intention of imposing additional financial burdens on Kenyans.
"Those who were spreading falsehoods and lies have been exposed in broad daylight. There is no clause raising taxes," he said.
The warning signals the government's determination to prevent a repeat of previous demonstrations that descended into chaos in several parts of the country, resulting in destruction of property and disruptions to economic activities.
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At the same time, Kindiki used the gathering to rally support for President William Ruto's administration, citing what he described as major achievements in infrastructure development, agriculture, affordable housing and universal health coverage.
He argued that the government was focused on implementing its development agenda and urged Kenyans to back the President as he pursues ongoing economic and social reforms.
"The President is working hard and he will continue serving the people of Kenya because he was elected to do so," Kindiki said.
The Deputy President also defended the constitutional two-term presidential limit, saying the law envisages a ten-year period to allow a Head of State sufficient time to initiate and complete key national projects.
He maintained that President Ruto deserves an opportunity to complete his development agenda, pointing to ongoing housing projects, road construction and planned investments in health infrastructure across the country.
Kindiki's remarks are expected to intensify debate over the planned opposition protests, with both the government and opposition hardening their positions ahead of what could become another major political showdown.
The church event was attended by senior government officials, governors, senators, Members of Parliament and thousands of faithful from across the North Rift region.