Content creator Swaleh Sonko has sparked heated debate online after a video of him criticising looters during the recent anti-government protests went viral. In the video, he accuses some demonstrators of using the protests as an excuse to steal, saying they’ve been “playing smart with Kenyans’ emotions.”
Highlights
- Swaleh Sonko blasts looters in June 25 protests, calling their actions opportunistic.
- Accuses some Gen Z protesters of being dishonest about their intentions.
- Says protests should last a week to expose those with true civic intent.
- Video widely shared, sparking mixed reactions across social media.
- Comes after reports of widespread looting in parts of Nairobi and Eldoret.
Main Story
In a no-holds-barred video circulating on TikTok and X (formerly Twitter), Swaleh Sonko vented his frustration over the looting witnessed during the June 25 protests. He accused some participants of hiding behind activism to carry out theft, saying:
“Jana nayo mumebant, mnaloot vitu za watu, kumbe mlikuwa mnatamaningi kuiba.”
Swaleh challenged the authenticity of certain protesters’ motivations, suggesting the chaos revealed a hunger for lawlessness rather than justice. He said the youth are being “played mentally” and urged organisers to extend protests for a week to help identify the genuine from the opportunists.
His comments triggered a storm of opinions. Some agreed with him, calling for protests to remain peaceful and focused. Others accused him of generalising or ignoring the larger issue of state oppression and economic frustration that’s fueling the unrest.
The Gen Z-led protests have largely been peaceful, but isolated incidents of looting have sparked concerns — with some politicians now using the incidents to discredit the entire movement. Swaleh’s comments add another layer to the conversation about the integrity and direction of the demonstrations.
Swaleh Sonko’s blunt words may sting — but they spark a necessary question: Can civic movements thrive without discipline, or will looters drag down the very message they claim to support?
