President William Ruto has strongly criticized the protests that took place on Wednesday, June 25, describing them as a carefully planned attempt to create chaos and destabilize the country.
Speaking on Friday during the World MSME Day event held in Nairobi, the Head of State dismissed the protests as nothing more than acts of hooliganism masked as peaceful demonstrations.
Ruto expressed deep concern over the manner in which the protests unfolded, saying they were not genuine expressions of dissatisfaction but rather destructive actions aimed at bringing harm to the nation.
He added that the demonstrations were not about seeking reforms or presenting alternatives but were designed to incite violence and disorder.
While addressing the rising opposition from certain groups, President Ruto declared that he is ready to leave office — but only on one condition.
He challenged those calling for his resignation to come forward with a well-thought-out and practical plan that offers better leadership for the country.
“I’m not glued to power,” Ruto said. “If you have a better strategy for governing this country, I can step aside and go back to farming. I’ll contribute to improving our food security. But don’t burn the country in the name of protest.”
He criticized opposition figures and protestors who have been chanting slogans like “Ruto must go” and “one term president,” saying such phrases are not constructive. According to Ruto, political change should come through democratic means, particularly through the ballot in the 2027 general elections.
“If your only message is ‘Ruto must go,’ then explain how I should go. What does that even mean? You can’t just remove a government without showing what alternative you have. Replacing a plan you dislike with no plan at all is not leadership,” he added firmly.
The President went on to express his heartbreak over the destruction that happened during the June 25 protests. He pointed out that several buildings were set ablaze, businesses were looted, and properties worth billions of shillings were destroyed in just a few hours.
He said the people who suffered most from the chaos were ordinary Kenyans — especially small traders and businesspeople — who work hard every day only to wake up and find their dreams and livelihoods reduced to ashes.
Ruto didn’t hold back in his criticism of opposition leaders whom he accused of fueling the unrest. He alleged that some politicians were deliberately inciting young people to take part in violent protests and warned that there would be serious consequences for those behind the unrest.
To address the damages and bring those responsible to justice, the President gave a firm directive to the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja.
He ordered Kanja to urgently carry out thorough investigations, identify those behind the looting and destruction, and ensure they are arrested and prosecuted without delay.
“The individuals who participated in or organized the violence, looting, and destruction of property during the June 25 protests must face the full force of the law. This should be done swiftly and without compromise,” Ruto instructed.
He emphasized that justice must be served for the affected families and business owners, saying, “I expect the Inspector General and all security agencies to act immediately and thoroughly. We must get to the bottom of what happened and bring those responsible to book.”
The President ended his speech by calling on all Kenyans to reject violence and choose peace, dialogue, and democratic processes to address any disagreements they may have with the government.
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