Senior State House official Dennis Itumbi has launched a scathing attack on The Standard newspaper, following its explosive exposé alleging that the Kenyan government is orchestrating a covert plan to sabotage peaceful protests scheduled for Wednesday, June 25, 2025.
In a strongly worded public statement issued on Tuesday, June 24, Itumbi dismissed the Standard’s story as a complete distortion of journalistic ethics and accused the publication of manufacturing lies under the guise of investigative reporting.
“Journalism is the pursuit of truth; anything less is gossip. For some newspapers like The Standard, that line isn’t blurred. It’s been buried,” said Itumbi.
He further criticized the editorial standards at The Standard, saying,
“Their editorial mantra is not about facts. It’s about fabrication. This is not a tabloid, or even gutter press; it is an insult to the very idea of journalism.”
The Standard’s Explosive Exposé: A Government Plot?
The firestorm began after The Standard published an investigative piece claiming that the government, with alleged directives from high-ranking State House officials, is orchestrating a plan to sabotage the June 25 protests. The exposé suggests that this would be achieved through a multi-pronged strategy involving:
- The mobilisation of hired goons to cause chaos during the protests
- The spreading of propaganda via digital channels
- The use of WhatsApp groups linked to State House operatives, UDA officials, parastatal bosses, and MPs to coordinate disruptive tactics
- Alleged complicity by the National Police Service (NPS), despite prior assurances that they would protect peaceful demonstrators
The newspaper cited leaked conversations and plans from WhatsApp groups purportedly involving senior officials, digital influencers, and mobilisers from Nairobi’s informal settlements.
Targeting Women, Disabling Documentation
Perhaps the most disturbing element in The Standard’s report is the alleged plan to target women during the protests—a strategy purportedly designed to instill fear and suppress participation. Protesters were also allegedly going to be robbed of their phones to prevent documentation of abuses or violence during the events.
The exposé draws parallels to the June 17 protests held in honour of Albert Ojwang, where stick-wielding goons reportedly infiltrated peaceful demonstrators, robbing civilians and looting. Eyewitnesses said that some police officers were seen turning a blind eye to the violence, raising suspicions about collusion.
However, in a dramatic twist during those protests, members of the public fought back against the goons, reportedly breaking bones and doling out their own form of street justice.
Itumbi: “Pure Propaganda”
Reacting to these revelations, Itumbi categorically denied any government involvement in such schemes and termed the exposé a deliberate smear campaign.
He suggested that the article was aimed at painting the government as authoritarian and anti-democracy, even as President William Ruto’s administration continues to face mounting pressure over economic challenges and the handling of last year’s anti-Finance Bill demonstrations.
“This story is nothing more than propaganda masquerading as journalism. It insults the memory of those who genuinely believe in a better Kenya through truth and justice,” Itumbi added.
June 25 Protests: Honouring Fallen Gen Zs
The protests scheduled for June 25 are meant to commemorate young Kenyans—dubbed Gen Zs—who died during the anti-Finance Bill demonstrations in 2024. Their families, alongside civil society groups and prominent human rights activists, are leading the charge.
The protests are expected to take place mainly in Nairobi’s Central Business District, though reports suggest simultaneous demonstrations may erupt in other parts of the country including Kisumu, Mombasa, Nakuru, and Eldoret.
Organizers say they plan to keep the protests peaceful, focusing on civic rights, freedom of expression, and justice for lives lost during state-sanctioned crackdowns.
Public Reactions: Divided Opinions
The confrontation between Itumbi and The Standard has sparked heated debate online. While some netizens have rallied behind the newspaper, praising it for shedding light on potentially dangerous plans, others have sided with Itumbi, accusing the media house of trying to incite public unrest with unverified reports.
“We need the truth. If there’s evidence, present it. But if this is just another political agenda, it’s irresponsible journalism,” wrote one user on X (formerly Twitter).
“Itumbi is doing damage control, but we’ve seen this play before. Let’s not be naïve,” posted another.
The Kenya Editors Guild and the Media Council of Kenya have yet to issue statements, though pressure is mounting on them to weigh in on the integrity and implications of such serious allegations.
What’s at Stake?
The unfolding drama not only underscores Kenya’s fragile media-politics relationship but also brings attention to the growing tension between the government and Gen Z activists, who are becoming increasingly vocal about governance, accountability, and civil liberties.
If the protests turn violent—whether due to actual infiltration by hired goons or police crackdowns—it could escalate into a national crisis. Already, opposition leaders and human rights watchdogs are calling for international observers to monitor the events of June 25.
Conclusion
As the country braces for the June 25 protests, all eyes are now on the government’s response, the role of security forces, and the credibility of Kenyan media.
Whether The Standard’s claims hold water or not, Dennis Itumbi’s fiery reaction has reignited the debate on press freedom, media responsibility, and the delicate balance between national security and civic rights.
One thing is clear: Kenya stands at a crossroads, and how these events unfold will shape the narrative of governance and democracy for months—if not years—to come.