#WeAreAllKikuyus: State House Official Speaks Out on Claims of Goons Targeting Mt Kenya Towns
Dennis Itumbi, who serves as the Head of Creative Economy in the Office of the President, has strongly denied claims that hired thugs are being sent to various towns in the Mt Kenya region to intimidate people following the recent July 7 protests.
In a statement released on Wednesday morning, Itumbi said these claims are false and are being spread by opposition-aligned social media influencers. He accused them of using fear tactics to create panic among the residents of Mt Kenya.
Describing the situation as a “coordinated wave of goonism,” Itumbi alleged that a group of individuals was working together to spread lies that some towns in Mt Kenya were under attack because they had shown opposition to President William Ruto’s government.
He said these bloggers were using platforms like WhatsApp and other social media sites to spread these false messages.
He also noted that these fake reports had caused widespread fear, leading to the closure of businesses in some areas as people became afraid of a possible repeat of the Saba Saba demonstrations.
“Tonight, a well-organized group is using social media to create panic in Mt. Kenya towns. From Kutus to Kagio, and from Embu to Ruiru, they are spreading fear using lies. Some irresponsible individuals have flooded WhatsApp and other platforms with claims that goons are attacking these towns,” Itumbi said.
“As a result, shops are closing early, businesses are shutting down, and people are afraid—all because of fake news being shared by those who want to cause chaos from behind their keyboards,” he added.
Itumbi also responded to former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who had earlier launched a campaign on social media under the hashtag #WeAreAllKikuyus.
Gachagua started the online movement on Tuesday evening, aiming to defend the Kikuyu community after it was accused by some of being behind the looting and destruction seen during the July 7 protests.
Thousands of people have since used the hashtag to show solidarity with the Kikuyu community and defend it from blame. However, Itumbi criticized the campaign and said that such tribal-based narratives are harmful and only serve to divide Kenyans.
He emphasized that all Kenyans should be united, regardless of their ethnic background. To counter Gachagua’s tribal-based hashtag, Itumbi posted his own message under the hashtag #WeAreAllKenyans, urging people to remain united and reject tribalism.
“Do not give in to fear. Speak out against those trying to divide us. We are all Kenyans, and no part of this country should be taken over by digital threats and fear-mongers,” Itumbi said in his tweet.
His statement comes at a time when the country is tense following the nationwide protests, with many Kenyans taking to social media to express concerns about safety, unity, and the future of the nation.
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