State House Official Dennis Itumbi Blasts The Standard Over Claims of Protest Sabotage
According to the newspaper, WhatsApp messages from government-linked digital groups revealed a structured campaign involving grassroots mobilisers in informal settlements.
Senior State House official Dennis Itumbi criticizes *The Standard* over exposé alleging government plot to sabotage June 25 protests. Photo/Nairobi Nation.
By Sysvoline Atieno
Senior State House official Dennis Itumbi has launched a sharp attack on The Standard newspaper following its publication of an exposé alleging that the government is orchestrating plans to disrupt the upcoming June 25 protests.
In a strongly worded statement released on Tuesday, June 24, Itumbi accused the media outlet of abandoning journalistic ethics in favor of what he described as “fabrication and propaganda.”
“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, who serves as a digital strategist affiliated with the presidency.
He dismissed the exposé as inflammatory and misleading, arguing that it undermines public confidence in both the media and government institutions.
The article in question alleged that a covert government operation—spanning State House, parastatals, MPs, and digital influencers—had been developed to discredit the protests. The report claimed that the plan involved infiltrating the demonstrations with hired thugs, spreading disinformation online, and inciting chaos to paint the protests as violent.
According to the newspaper, WhatsApp messages from government-linked digital groups revealed a structured campaign involving grassroots mobilisers in informal settlements. The report also suggested that the National Police Service was aware of the scheme but had not taken action.
One of the most disturbing elements of the exposé was an alleged tactic aimed at intimidating female protestors to deter their participation. It also claimed that agents would steal phones from demonstrators to prevent real-time coverage of abuses.
These allegations echo incidents from the June 17 protests in memory of Albert Ojwang, where armed individuals reportedly attacked demonstrators under the watch of passive police officers. Footage from the day showed robbery and looting amid an apparent law enforcement stand-down.
Despite these claims, organizers have pledged to go ahead with the June 25 protests, which aim to honor young people killed during the 2024 anti-Finance Bill demonstrations. Protest leaders have reiterated their commitment to peaceful resistance and renewed calls for justice and accountability.
The protests are expected to be most active in Nairobi’s Central Business District, though reports suggest they may spread to other cities nationwide. With tensions mounting, civil society groups and the public are demanding greater transparency and assurance that the rights of demonstrators will be protected.
About Author
