Kikuyu Council of Elders condemn killings of youth

By Newsflash Reporter

NAIROBI – The Kikuyu Council of Elders (KCE) has issued a scathing statement condemning the abduction and killing of Kenyan youth, alongside the destruction of property witnessed across the country in recent months.

In a strongly worded statement dated Saturday, July 5, 2025, the Council decried what it termed as “brutal and animalistic” violence targeting young people, warning that the rising wave of lawlessness could drag the country into chaos akin to failed states.

“The Kikuyu Council of Elders joins other Kenyans in condemning the brutal and animalistic abductions and shedding of the blood of young Kenyans in the short period of one year,” read the statement, signed by National Chairman Wachira Kiago and Secretary General J. Nene.

The elders also condemned what they described as barbaric acts of torching public and private assets, warning that these actions were destroying the economic gains Kenya has achieved over decades.

“These are barbaric acts of burning wealth that has taken the Nation of Kenya decades to build, orchestrated by ‘thugs’ in office using poor, uneducated and unemployed Kenyans,” the statement continued.

Warning against a dangerous slide

KCE warned that if the current state of affairs persists, Kenya risks plunging to the level of failed states like Sudan, Somalia, Chad, or even worse. Citing historical events, the Council referred to the attempted coup of 1982, the long-term capture of state institutions, and the ethnic violence of 2007 as warning signs of the possible future Kenya is heading towards.

“These acts will bring Kenya down… This is based on the following precedents which echo today’s speeches and utterances by public and Government officials,” said the statement, listing:

The 1982 coup attempt that nearly collapsed rule of law.
A two-decade grip on legislative and judicial functions, undermining democracy.
Ethnic cleansing and electoral violence, notably in 2007.

Calls for restraint from all sides

Addressing various stakeholders, the Council urged all Kenyans to exercise restraint and seek peaceful alternatives.

To the youth, the elders advised: “Demonstrate responsibly, if you must, and avoid violence against any person or property.”

Security forces were sternly rebuked for using excessive force, with the Council stating, “STOP KILLING YOUR BROTHERS AND SISTERS. You will go home to them when your time is up.”

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kithure Kindiki and DCI boss Amin Mohamed were urged to act constitutionally and clamp down on rogue officers engaging in illegal actions.

The opposition was challenged to embrace dialogue with the government for the sake of national unity. “Dialogue does not maim or kill and neither is it cowardice,” the elders noted.

President William Ruto was reminded that “criticism is the reward of leadership” and urged to lead with wisdom and compassion. “Extend friendship to them since no amount of violence can stop their probing or desire for change,” KCE advised.

In conclusion, the elders appealed to their fellow community leaders and elders across the country to help steer Kenya away from political strife. “Please become Kenya’s TRAORE,” they wrote, urging Ruto to emulate the unifying leadership seen in other nations.

The Council emphasized that the time had come for leaders to rise above tribal politics and put Kenya’s future first.