NYS Rejects Claims Its Vehicles Transported Goons During Saba Saba Protests in Naivasha

The National Youth Service (NYS) issued a vehement denial of allegations that its vehicles were used to transport individuals involved in criminal activities during the chaotic Saba Saba protests in Naivasha Sub-County. The agency, in a strongly worded statement released from its Nairobi headquarters, described the claims circulating on social media and various media platforms as “false and misleading,” asserting that no NYS vehicles were deployed to Naivasha for anything other than official, non-political duties during the period in question. The controversy, sparked by accusations from Naivasha MP Jane Kihara and amplified online, has intensified scrutiny of the government’s handling of the protests, which left 31 dead and businesses reeling from looting and vandalism. The NYS’s response underscores its commitment to transparency and its apolitical mandate, while raising questions about the role of misinformation in Kenya’s volatile protest landscape.

The Saba Saba protests, held on July 7, 2025, to mark the 35th anniversary of the 1990 pro-democracy movement, saw thousands of mostly young Kenyans take to the streets in cities like Nairobi, Kisumu, and Naivasha. Driven by grievances over high taxes, a KSh11.36 trillion public debt, 67 percent youth unemployment, and allegations of police brutality, the demonstrations turned violent in several areas. In Naivasha, the protests were marred by looting of major supermarkets like Naivas, Khetias, and Powerstar, with goods worth millions stolen. Naivasha MP Jane Kihara alleged that NYS buses were used to ferry “goons” to Karagita, a neighborhood in Naivasha, to incite chaos and target specific businesses. “These were not our people,” Kihara said during a community meeting. “Goons were dropped in Karagita to unleash mayhem, and we demand answers.” Her claims, widely shared on X, fueled speculation and outrage, prompting the NYS to respond swiftly.

In its statement, the NYS categorically rejected Kihara’s allegations, emphasizing that its operations adhere to strict command and accountability protocols. “The National Youth Service wishes to clarify and strongly dispute these baseless and malicious allegations,” the agency stated. “No NYS vehicle was deployed to Naivasha during the stated period for anything other than official duties unrelated to the protests.” The agency highlighted that all movements of its assets, including vehicles, are thoroughly documented and verifiable at any time, a measure designed to ensure transparency. “Our personnel operate under strict guidelines, and any attempt to link NYS to criminal or politically instigated actions is a grave misrepresentation of our core values,” the statement continued, underscoring the agency’s apolitical stance.

The NYS’s denial comes amid a broader wave of accusations implicating state agencies in the violence that characterized the Saba Saba protests. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported 31 deaths, with many victims suffering gunshot wounds, and over 400 injuries nationwide. In Naivasha, three young men—Antony Kariuki, Peter Njenga, and James Nayo—died from gunshot wounds to the stomach, according to hospital reports. Local leaders, including Lakeview MCA Alex Mbugua, echoed Kihara’s claims, asserting that the looters were “strangers” to the community. “These were not Naivasha residents,” Mbugua said. “The majority of the unruly gangs were unfamiliar, suggesting they were brought in to cause chaos.” However, Naivasha Deputy County Commissioner Josiah Odongo dismissed these allegations as “troubling and bordering on incitement,” urging Kihara to provide evidence to the police rather than spreading rumors.

The accusations against the NYS have stirred public debate, with social media platforms like X amplifying both support and skepticism. One user posted, “NYS buses ferrying goons? Kihara needs to show proof, or this is just politics.” Another wrote, “The NYS is being dragged into a mess it didn’t create. Protect their reputation!” The hashtag #SabaSaba2025 trended alongside videos of burning tires and looted stores, reflecting the public’s frustration with the violence and the government’s response. The NYS called on the public, media, and political leaders to exercise caution and refrain from propagating unverified information. “We urge all stakeholders to verify claims before sharing them,” the agency said, warning that such allegations could unjustly tarnish its reputation as an institution committed to discipline and national development.

The protests have exposed deep-seated tensions in Kenya, with Gen Z activists at the forefront demanding accountability for issues like police brutality and corruption. The death of blogger Albert Ojwang in custody and reports of over 80 abductions since June 2024 have fueled outrage, with human rights groups accusing the government of deploying plainclothes officers and state-sponsored gangs to suppress dissent. The NYS’s denial aligns with similar rebuttals from other officials, including Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, who faced accusations of sponsoring goons to disrupt protests. “I have never and will never sponsor violence,” Sakaja said in a June 2025 video, dismissing claims that goons chanting his name were acting on his behalf. The NYS’s statement seeks to distance itself from these broader allegations, emphasizing its role in youth empowerment and community service.

Naivasha’s business community, still reeling from the protests, expressed mixed sentiments. The looting of supermarkets and vandalism of small businesses resulted in losses estimated at KSh200 million, with traders like Mary Wanjiru, a shop owner in Naivasha town, lamenting the destruction. “We lost everything in a day,” Wanjiru said. “Whether it was goons or protesters, the damage is done, and we need protection.” Peaceful Gen Z protesters in Naivasha distanced themselves from the violence, with local organizer Simon Wakaba stating, “We firmly disown the criminal acts of hired goons. Their actions do not represent our voices.” The National Police Service reported 567 arrests and 52 injured officers, urging citizens to report information about the perpetrators to local stations.

The NYS’s operations, which include training 30,000 youths annually in skills like construction and agriculture, have historically been a source of national pride. However, past scandals, such as the 2015 KSh1.8 billion graft case, have made the agency a target for public skepticism. “The NYS has worked hard to rebuild trust,” said a governance expert in Nairobi. “These allegations, if unproven, could undo years of progress.” The agency’s emphasis on documented asset movements aims to counter such distrust, with officials inviting independent audits to verify their claims. “Our records are open for scrutiny,” an NYS spokesperson said, reinforcing the agency’s commitment to transparency.

The controversy has political undertones, with the opposition, led by figures like Rigathi Gachagua, accusing the government of orchestrating violence to discredit the protests. Gachagua, speaking at a July 8 press conference, claimed that state agencies were complicit in deploying goons to infiltrate peaceful demonstrations. “The government must answer for these tactics,” he said, though he provided no specific evidence linking the NYS to the violence. President William Ruto, addressing a development forum in Nakuru, called for calm and urged Kenyans to reject divisive narratives. “We are focused on building the nation, not destroying it,” Ruto said, highlighting initiatives like the ClimateWorx program to employ youth.

As investigations continue, the NYS has vowed to cooperate with authorities to clear its name. Naivasha’s police, led by Odongo, have arrested 40 suspects in connection with the looting, with more expected to face charges. The Kenya Human Rights Commission and other groups have called for independent probes into allegations of state-sponsored violence, citing incidents like the storming of their offices on July 6, 2025, by masked goons. “These are calculated attempts to silence us,” said a KHRC official, pointing to a pattern of intimidation.

The NYS’s denial is a critical moment in the ongoing saga of Kenya’s protest movement. As the nation grapples with economic challenges and demands for reform, the agency’s reputation hangs in the balance. Whether the allegations are proven or debunked, the incident underscores the fragility of public trust in institutions during times of unrest. For now, the NYS stands firm, urging Kenyans to focus on verified facts and support its mission to empower the nation’s youth.