NAIROBI, Kenya – Saboti MP Caleb Amisi has defended Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri following public criticism over the General’s remarks urging Kenyans to adhere to constitutional means in their calls for political change.
In a tweet, Amisi emphasized that Kahariri’s comments were not politically motivated but rather a call for constitutional order.
He warned against attacking the military, an institution he described as critical to the stability of the nation.
“Gen. Kahariri only said, ‘The #RutoMustGo must be constitutional to avoid anarchy.’ The military should be the last institution any peace-loving Kenyan should attack. Even when they were called to the streets, they always sided with the citizens,” Amisi wrote.
Amisi also highlighted the need for civic responsibility, particularly among the youth, urging them to obtain identification cards and voter registration as a means of effecting meaningful change.
“Soon, youth should start mobilizing for IDs and later voters’ cards. Let us make it mandatory for youth to present their voter card before they get service anywhere. That is how Kenya will change,” he said.
Amisi cautioned those demanding President Ruto’s removal to avoid unconstitutional methods, arguing that such actions would undermine the very democratic principles they claim to defend.
“Changing Kenya is not and should not be equal to anarchy. After Ruto goes, which means do you want to use to put in a new government? If it is not constitutional means, what is the difference between you and Ruto? Let’s stop living in a fool’s paradise!”
Amisi’s comments came after Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah criticized both General Kahariri and National Intelligence Service (NIS) Director General Noordin Haji for allegedly politicizing the “Ruto Must Go” chants.
Omtatah accused the two officials of contravening Article 239(3) of the Constitution, which mandates national security organs to remain nonpartisan.
During a lecture at the National Intelligence and Research University, General Kahariri emphasized the military’s apolitical stance and its duty to defend the Constitution.
He stated that while public dissatisfaction is allowed in a democracy, any attempts to change leadership must be constitutional to avoid plunging the country into instability.
While many Kenyans echoed Omtatah’s concerns, others like Amisi defended the security chiefs, urging citizens to focus on peaceful and lawful means of addressing grievances.
