By Peter Mwibanda.
July 22, 2025 | NAIROBI, Kenya (IP)
In just three weeks, the Kenyan government has issued four contradictory police directives: “shoot to kill,” “shoot the legs,” “shoot and kill,” and most recently, “shoot in self-defense.” These shifting orders reflect more than confusion — they expose a state drifting toward what many now call a Gaslight Republic.
Gaslighting, a psychological tactic that causes people to question their reality, is taking root in Kenyan governance.
The state distorts facts, evades blame and manipulates public perception to shield itself from accountability.
As Gen Z–led protests over taxes, corruption and poor governance swell, the state has escalated from dismissiveness to deadly force.
Peaceful protesters are being labeled as criminals and terrorists, while police face little scrutiny for using live rounds on unarmed civilians.
The police, mandated by Article 245 of the Constitution to act independently and protect human rights, are increasingly pulled in opposing directions.
They receive one directive from State House, another from the Interior Ministry, and yet another from the president.
One day it’s “use lethal force”; the next, “aim for the legs.” These mixed signals have left officers confused and citizens endangered.
Far from being a mistake, this chaos appears intentional. When citizens are killed, the state blames protesters.
When public anger rises, it points to foreign influencers or a biased media. If trust erodes, the opposition becomes the scapegoat. The government plays the victim — never the perpetrator.
This is the anatomy of a Gaslight Republic: where facts are denied, blame is outsourced and those who dissent are punished. Leaders reject what citizens witness firsthand, all while tightening control.
Such tactics corrode trust. Democracy cannot survive when transparency is replaced with theatrics.
The rule of law collapses when legal principles are overshadowed by political spin. Peace falters when dialogue is replaced with force.
Kenya is at a tipping point. The government must restore the independence of institutions, issue clear and lawful orders to police, and take responsibility for its actions. Officers need consistency, not contradictions.
Citizens deserve protection, not persecution. And the nation needs leadership grounded in truth — not illusion.
Until that happens, Kenya will remain trapped in a cycle of state-sponsored deception — one bullet, one lie, and one scapegoat at a time.
Peter Mwibanda is a legal activist, political writer and civic educator based in Kenya. He focuses on constitutional law, governance and youth empowerment.
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