President William Ruto on Wednesday issued a stern warning to those allegedly scheming to unseat his government through unconstitutional means, vowing to deploy all lawful tools at his disposal to safeguard national security.
Speaking at Kilimani Police Station while inspecting an ongoing police housing project, the Head of State declared that he would no longer remain silent in the face of rising political unrest and violence that has rocked the country in recent weeks.
“Let those characters saying they can change this administration through violence or unlawful means before 2027 try it,” President Ruto thundered. “This is a democratic nation. Leadership will be decided through the ballot, not bullets. That is not going to happen in Kenya.”
His remarks come against a backdrop of nationwide anti-government protests that erupted on June 12, sparked by widespread public discontent and a proposed Finance Bill. The demonstrations, some of which turned deadly, have led to the destruction of property, alleged police brutality, and infiltration by politically sponsored gangs.
Ruto questioned the timing and intent of the resistance against his administration, contrasting it with the relative calm enjoyed by his predecessors.
“They are lecturing me about Moi, Kibaki, and Uhuru, they were presidents like I am. So why now? Why didn’t you cause chaos during their regimes?” he posed. “That nonsense must stop.”
The president also appeared to draw a red line regarding attacks on state infrastructure, warning that storming police stations amounted to declaring war on the state.
“Anyone attacking a police station in Kenya is declaring war. That is unacceptable. I will protect the lives and property of Kenyans using every lawful means,” he said.
He further promised that those found looting and engaging in lawlessness during the protests would face the full force of the law.
“All those who looted businesses and caused destruction will be arrested. And we are coming for those sponsoring them too,” he added.
Ruto’s declaration comes amidst rising political tensions, with opposition leaders calling for a national dialogue and civil society urging restraint from both protesters and security forces. Leaders like Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya and Interior CS Kithure Kindiki have also weighed in, calling for calm, engagement, and a return to constructive national discourse.
As Kenya navigates this turbulent chapter, all eyes are now on whether the president’s hardline stance will restore order or escalate the political standoff even further.
