State House digital strategist Dennis Itumbi has hit back at The Standard newspaper after it published an exposé claiming the government has a secret plan to disrupt the June 25 Gen Z protests.

In a statement released on Tuesday, June 24, Itumbi didn't hold back. He accused the media house of abandoning journalism in favor of “fabrication.”

“Journalism is the pursuit of truth; anything less is gossip,” Itumbi said. “The Standard isn’t just blurring that line—they’ve buried it.”

He went on to call the exposé an “insult” to journalism and labeled it worse than tabloid reporting.

What the Standard Reported

The Standard had published an investigative piece alleging that high-ranking government officials were involved in a covert plan to sabotage Wednesday’s protests.

The article claimed:

• WhatsApp chats showed coordination between State House insiders, UDA officials, parastatal heads, and grassroots mobilisers.

• The goal: infiltrate peaceful protests using hired goons to cause chaos.

• Strategies allegedly included stealing phones to prevent protest documentation, targeting women, and spreading propaganda online.

• The Standard also reported that National Police Service (NPS) was aware of these alleged plans despite assuring the public of safety.

June 17 Protests Already Saw Trouble

During last week’s protest in memory of Albert Ojwang, several goons armed with sticks infiltrated crowds, robbed protesters, and looted shops.

Many witnesses said police stood by without intervening.

However, some protesters reportedly fought back. In chaotic scenes, a few goons were disciplined by the crowds, with several seen leaving with injuries.

Itumbi: “This Isn’t Journalism”

Itumbi insists the Standard’s claims are baseless and politically driven.

“This is not a tabloid, or even gutter press. It is a mockery of the newsroom,” he stated.

So far, The Standard has not responded to Itumbi’s criticism publicly. The exposé remains published on its digital platforms.

Why the Protests Matter

The June 25 demonstrations are expected to be peaceful and are being held in honor of Gen Z protesters who lost their lives during last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests.

The protests will be led by their families, youth, and activists and are set to take place mainly in Nairobi’s CBD, though reports suggest they may spread to other counties.

Despite the tension, police have promised to allow peaceful assemblies—although whether that promise holds remains to be seen.