Kenyan President William Ruto has strongly rejected calls from the growing #RutoMustGo movement, asserting that those demanding his resignation have failed to present any viable alternative or solution to the challenges facing the country. He argued that meaningful change cannot be achieved through slogans or protests alone, but through constructive engagement and leadership grounded in clear vision and responsibility.
Ruto’s comments came in response to renewed anti-government demonstrations held on June 25, commemorating the deadly 2024 protests sparked by widespread public opposition to controversial tax reforms. The demonstrations, largely led by youth, resulted in tragic scenes across the country, with security forces accused of shooting and killing protesters.
In his recent remarks, President Ruto accused protest organizers and their supporters of being driven more by personal animosity and political hatred than by legitimate concerns or a coherent plan for national progress. He reiterated that Kenya’s 2010 Constitution provides a clear legal framework for how a president can leave office, emphasizing that he will not be forced out by unconstitutional means.
Ruto maintained that while citizens have a right to express themselves, such expressions must be rooted in lawful conduct. “If you want Ruto to go, develop a better plan than the one I have. The one that exists,” he said. He further emphasized that those calling for his ouster were ignoring the Constitution, which clearly outlines presidential term limits.
“If it is a question of terms, the Constitution already has sorted out and settled the issue of terms. Terms are limited—you can either be one term, or two terms maximum. You cannot have more than that. So what is this craze about terms? The Constitution has already provided for those terms. Let us look for solutions to our challenges. The solution cannot be found in terms; the solution can be found in strategy and a plan,” the President stated.
Addressing the “one term” mantra circulating in the country, Ruto criticized those rallying Kenyans to vote him out in 2027, stating that such hashtags lack substance and do not offer Kenyans an alternative solution. “If it is Ruto Must Go, tell me how you want me to go. Let’s be honest with ourselves. What do you mean by Ruto Must Go? How do I go? Because we have a Constitution in place, dear people. If you want Ruto to go, please, my simple advice to you—look for a better plan. Convince the people of Kenya that you have a better plan.”
He condemned the protests that disrupted Nairobi and other areas, describing them as acts of anarchy that undermined public order and destroyed the livelihoods of hardworking Kenyans. “What we witnessed was not a peaceful protest. It was calculated chaos, it was violence, it was destruction, and it was economic sabotage. Let’s call it what it is.”
Turning to his political opponents, Ruto encouraged them to seek support from the electorate by presenting a more compelling and practical vision for the country—one that could earn a legitimate mandate through the ballot. He also criticized individuals who exploit protests to destabilize the nation for personal political gain.
Ruto directed criticism at religious and political leaders, accusing them of fueling unrest. “I want to ask the religious and political leaders who are encouraging this movement towards violence and chaos and anarchy… what is your plan?” He warned that continued demonstrations could lead to growing instability, stressing that Kenya belongs to all its citizens, not just to him or his rivals. “If we go this route, we will not have a country. And the country does not belong to William Ruto—it belongs to all of us. And if there is no country for William Ruto, there is no country for you.”
Backing the President’s remarks, Deputy President Kithure Kindiki emphasized that while the government respects the right to free expression, it will not tolerate lawlessness disguised as protest. Speaking in Kitui, Kindiki said, “The government respects the freedom of expression, and citizens are allowed to differ with what we do and how we govern. However, we will not sit and watch the country burn.”
Both leaders described the June 25 protests as more than demonstrations. “What we witnessed was not peaceful protests; it was calculated chaos and economic sabotage,” said President Ruto. Kindiki added, “On behalf of the government, we will respect freedom of expression and media, but we will ensure the country’s safety and govern it. We will not allow the danger, like we witnessed on Wednesday, to continue.”
The protests left at least 16 people dead, hundreds injured, and property worth millions destroyed.
