The United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party has come out strongly in support of President William Ruto, firmly rejecting claims of an alleged coup attempt. This comes after former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua fired back at President Ruto following the head of state’s remarks warning against efforts to topple his government.
In a firm statement, the party’s Head of Digital Communication, Antonellah Kakuko, made it clear that President Ruto will only leave office if he loses in the upcoming 2027 general elections. She emphasised that Kenya is a democratic nation where leadership is determined through the ballot and not by unconstitutional methods.
“This country is governed by democracy, and it is the people who have the power to choose their leaders through voting,” Kakuko said.
She added, “President Ruto is the same man who proved it’s possible to win a presidential election fairly, despite all the odds and negative campaigns against him.
He is determined to end politics of entitlement and lawlessness that threaten national peace and unity.”
According to Kakuko, only Kenyans through an election can decide the fate of President Ruto. She dismissed any talk of an illegal ouster, stressing that the UDA party believes in democratic processes, not chaos.
Earlier on Wednesday, President Ruto gave a fiery speech where he declared that he would not tolerate lawlessness in the name of protests. He warned those he accused of plotting violence and unrest, stating that such acts would not be allowed under his leadership.
“Enough is enough,” the President said. “If anyone thinks they can use violence or unconstitutional means to remove this government before 2027, I dare them to try. This country is democratic, and leadership will only change through elections, not violence.”
Ruto’s remarks followed weeks of intense anti-government protests that have rocked several parts of the country in June and July, turning deadly in some regions.
Shortly after the President’s speech, the Democratic for the Citizens Party (DCP) leader—without mentioning names—dismissed any plans of a coup, clarifying that the opposition’s goal is to defeat Ruto in the 2027 elections through the ballot.
“There is no one here planning a coup,” the DCP leader said. “Let the President calm down and wait for the elections. We will send him home in August 2027 through votes, not violence.”
While speaking during a visit to the Police Housing Project in Kilimani, Nairobi County, President Ruto also issued tough instructions to police officers.
He directed them to shoot anyone caught destroying property during the protests in the leg—not fatally, but enough to stop them and take them to court afterward.
“Anyone burning people’s businesses and property should be shot in the leg. Let them be taken to hospital to recover, and then face the law in court. Don’t kill them, just break their leg,” he told the police officers, as he sought to clamp down on growing acts of violence and destruction during demonstrations.
Since taking office in 2022, the UDA administration has faced increasing resistance from opposition groups. Among them is the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition, led by ODM leader Raila Odinga, who has consistently rejected the 2022 election results and organized several protests against the government.
In 2024, the Gen Z movement emerged as another significant force, leading widespread protests largely fueled by frustration over economic hardships and the rising cost of living.
Despite mounting pressure and public discontent, UDA insists it is focused on delivering its promises to Kenyans. The party believes it is on the right path and is confident of securing re-election in 2027.
The most recent wave of unrest occurred during the Saba Saba Day protests held on Monday across 17 out of Kenya’s 47 counties. According to a report by the Kenya National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC), 31 people lost their lives during the protests, over 100 were injured, and more than 500 demonstrators were arrested.
Even as the nation grapples with political tension and civil unrest, the UDA leadership maintains that Kenya’s future must be decided peacefully through the vote, not through violence or unconstitutional actions.
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