Former Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Secretary-General Wilson Sossion has sounded the alarm over Kenya’s growing political unrest, urging the government to address the root causes of the protests before the country plunges into chaos.
In a televised interview on Thursday, June 19, 2025, Sossion emphasized that the ongoing demonstrations are not spontaneous reactions from frustrated citizens, but rather carefully orchestrated political events.
He pointed out that the lack of a known figurehead behind the protests has only made it more difficult for law enforcement to contain the situation.
“President Ruto does not convene demonstrations, and the leader of the protests remains unknown,” Sossion said.
“Meanwhile, goons loot and destroy property, leaving the police in a very complicated position.”
He warned that as long as political motives drive the demonstrations, violence will be unavoidable.
“As long as the next demonstrations are politically motivated, there will be violence,” he added.
Include Governors in Security Talks or Face More Violence, Sossion Tells State
Sossion stressed the need for county leaders, especially governors, to be included in matters of security, saying their exclusion undermines effective coordination.
“A governor is elected to lead the welfare of the county and should be included in security matters. If not, we will continue to have problems.”
He also questioned whether the police are adequately trained and equipped to manage protests that are increasingly turning violent.
“Are the police dealing with ordinary demonstrations? No, they are dealing with political demonstrations whose front line is violence,” he noted. “Have we prepared our police with the capacity to handle and manage such demonstrations?”
Beyond the immediate crisis, Sossion urged the country to reject the rising culture of hate and incitement and to foster a more positive and forward-looking political atmosphere.
“Some counselling needs to be applied to those trying to advance a politics and culture of hate and incitement. We need to practice optimism,” he said.
He also warned that without clear demonstration protocols, especially ahead of the Gen Z anniversary, the country risks descending into political disorder.
“Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja should issue protocols on how demonstrations will be conducted during the Gen Z anniversary,” Sossion advised. “Short of that, we should prepare for political anarchy, not civil protests.”
