Dennis Itumbi Tears Into The Standard Over ‘Fabricated’ Protest Report

Dennis Itumbi, a top digital strategist in President William Ruto’s inner circle, has unleashed a scathing attack on The Standard newspaper over its explosive exposé alleging a government plot to sabotage the upcoming June 25 protests.

In a strongly worded statement, Itumbi accused the media house of abandoning journalism and embracing propaganda. The exposé claimed senior government officials, police, and bloggers were coordinating to infiltrate the protests with violence and fear.

As tensions rise ahead of the planned demonstrations in memory of fallen Gen Zs, Itumbi’s furious response has reignited the debate over truth, media ethics, and government transparency in Kenya.

President Ruto and digital strategist Dennis Itumbi during a past event; Itumbi has slammed The Standard’s exposé as political fiction. [Photo: Courtesy]

Itumbi Slams Standard Over Exposé on Govt Plans to Disrupt June 25 Protests

The Standard’s investigative piece shook the country just days before the June 25 protests are expected to sweep through Nairobi and possibly other towns. The report exposed what it said was a coordinated plan by the government to flood the demonstrations with violence and confusion.

Among the explosive claims were:

• Leaked WhatsApp messages allegedly involving government officials and bloggers planning the disruption
• Mobilisation of goons to attack protesters, especially targeting women to create fear
• Digital propaganda campaigns run by UDA loyalists to discredit the protests
• Police complicity, with the National Police Service allegedly briefed on the plans despite public reassurances of safety

The exposé tied the alleged operation directly to State House, claiming the plot had blessings from the top. It revealed how a network of power—from MCAs and MPs to high-level parastatal bosses—was tasked with implementing the plan across key urban areas.

But Itumbi hit back hard. He rubbished the entire exposé as political fiction designed to discredit the government and stir public unrest. He dared The Standard to provide verifiable evidence instead of unnamed sources and screenshots.

“The Standard has weaponized journalism. This is no longer about informing the public. It’s about inciting them,” Itumbi said.

Questions Raised Over Credibility and Timing

The Standard’s report has sparked national debate—not only about the alleged plot but also about the role of the media in such a volatile moment.

Critics aligned with the government have questioned the timing of the exposé. With less than 24 hours to the planned protests, the article has inflamed tensions and drawn attention to government accountability.

“It is not a coincidence that this piece drops just before the protests. It’s a coordinated attack on the administration, hiding behind press freedom,” one senior official who requested anonymity told local press.

Others see The Standard’s revelations as a public service, exposing the potential for violence and helping Kenyans prepare or demand accountability ahead of the demonstrations.

The Kenya Editors Guild and other press freedom defenders have remained silent so far, but civil society groups are calling for an independent investigation into both the claims made and the government’s response.

If true, the exposé would confirm long-held suspicions that recent demonstrations—especially the chaotic ones—have not been organic but influenced by deeper political machinations.

June 25 Protests Still On Despite the Chaos

The June 25 demonstrations are expected to be massive, with families of fallen Gen Z protesters and leading activists vowing to proceed despite the alleged threats.

The protests are in memory of those killed during last year’s anti-Finance Bill riots, which turned deadly in several towns. One such protest on June 17 this year saw goons with sticks disrupt peaceful demonstrations, robbing civilians and looting shops. Police were accused of watching without intervening.

In some dramatic scenes, civilians turned against the attackers, beating them and ejecting them from the marches. Videos shared online showed some of the thugs limping away, bloodied and broken.

Activists have warned that any attempt to derail the upcoming protests will be met with resistance

As the country waits for Wednesday, the rift between the media and the State appears to be deepening. And at the center of it is the fierce rebuke by Itumbi.