NAIROBI, Kenya, July 9, 2025 — President William Ruto has issued a stinging warning to individuals he says are plotting to overthrow his government through violence and civil unrest, declaring that any such attempt will be crushed with the full force of the state.
Speaking in Nairobi during the launch of new housing units for police officers, a visibly irate Ruto said recent acts of violence witnessed during nationwide protests were not spontaneous but part of a calculated effort to destabilize the country and force regime change through unconstitutional means.
“Let them try to overthrow the government by planning violence and destruction in Kenya. They will know they don’t know,” the President said, his voice heavy with anger.
“This is a country of democracy. The people decide on the ballot, not through stones, fire, and anarchy.”
The President dismissed the recent wave of protests—driven largely by youth—as being hijacked by political opportunists and “dishonest leaders” who, he said, are attempting to weaponize frustration over unemployment and economic hardship to bring down a duly elected government.
“This country will not be destroyed by a few people who are impatient and who want to have a change of government using unconstitutional means. It will not happen.”
“We’re Watching the Puppeteers”
Ruto accused unnamed political figures of paying youth to burn supermarkets, loot businesses, and attack police officers, acts he said amount to terrorism.
“Those who destroyed businesses and burned supermarkets, those who paid youth to attack police stations and security officers—you will face the law. We’re coming for you. And we know your leaders.”
“Anyone attacking our police or security installations is making a declaration of war against the Republic of Kenya. That will not be treated as mere protest. That is terrorism, and we will deal with it firmly and decisively,” he said.
Ballot, Not Bullets
The President emphasized that his government will not allow any group to threaten national stability under the guise of demonstrations. While Kenya remains a democratic nation, he said, no shortcut to power will be tolerated.
“Let them plan, but we meet in 2027,” Ruto said, in reference to the next General Election.
“We cannot and will not allow the government of Kenya to be decided through violence.”
Defending His Record
Turning the heat back on his critics, the President challenged them to show what past administrations had done to solve youth unemployment—one of the main grievances fueling public outrage.
“There are people who want to lie that every young person had a job before I became President. That’s a lie! This has been a problem for decades.”
Ruto defended his record, citing ongoing initiatives under the Affordable Housing Program which he said has created jobs for over 320,000 youth, in addition to another 180,000 in the digital economy and 400,000 working abroad.
“The difference is that now we have a plan. And the youth of Kenya are working,” he said.
“Jobs don’t come through chaos—they come through planning.”
-“Enough Is Enough”-
In a blunt and ominous conclusion, the President declared that the violence must end—and promised to use “whatever means available” to restore calm and protect the country.
“Enough is enough,” he said.
“I will ensure there is peace and stability in Kenya by all means possible. We are all Kenyans. Let us respect each other.”
