By James Murimi - Reporter
Kenya, May 18 ,2026 - President William Ruto’s administration on Monday claimed that nationwide protests over soaring fuel prices had been infiltrated by political actors bent on spreading fear, chaos and ethnic intolerance.
In a statement sent to newsrooms, Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen accused unnamed politicians of mobilizing criminal gangs to loot businesses, attack government projects and intimidate Kenyans perceived to support the government.
The government further warned politicians against profiling Kenyans on the basis of political affiliation, saying those behind inflammatory statements would be held personally responsible for lives lost and property destroyed during the protests.
“Our Constitution protects the right to demonstrate and picket, but it is unfortunate that today’s protests have, once again, been hijacked by political actors for political ends,” Murkomen said in the statement issued Monday evening.
The protests, triggered by a sharp rise in fuel prices linked to the ongoing global oil crisis, paralysed transport in several towns as demonstrators blocked roads, lit bonfires and clashed with police.
Murkomen said the government had noted incidents of looting, arson and vandalism targeting individuals and projects associated with the Kenya Kwanza administration.
He cited the looting of Khetia supermarkets allegedly linked to a pro-government MP, the torching of a United Democratic Alliance (UDA) office in Wote, Makueni County, and the burning of two trucks at the Rironi-Mau Summit highway project.
“We are concerned that criminal elements have been mobilized and deployed by rogue politicians to target government projects, property and pro-government leaders,” Murkomen said.
The Interior CS linked the violence to the recent attack on local artist Rachel Wandeto, who died Monday morning after a violent assault that had sparked national outrage.
More from Kenya
According to the government, a section of the political class was fueling intolerance and organising gangs to terrorise Kenyans holding different political opinions.
“To the leaders who have been profiling Kenyans of different political opinion and calling them traitors, we shall hold you personally responsible for the lives lost and property destroyed,” Murkomen warned.
The government said security agencies had been directed to intensify operations against organised criminal groups and individuals accused of sponsoring violence.
At least four people were killed and more than 30 injured during the day-long protests, according to the Interior Ministry.
Murkomen maintained that while Kenyans had legitimate concerns over the rising cost of fuel, destruction of property and disruption of transport would not resolve the crisis.
He said the National Treasury and the ministries of Energy and Transport were already engaging transport stakeholders in search of measures to cushion wananchi from escalating fuel costs.
The government also moved to assure travellers and business owners of their safety, saying all blocked roads were being cleared by security agencies to restore normal transport operations across the country.