NAIROBI, Kenya— A visibly furious President William Ruto on Wednesday declared a tough stance against individuals he accused of inciting and orchestrating violent protests across the country, warning that any attack on police or public property amounts to a declaration of war on the Republic of Kenya.
In one of his most fiery speeches yet, the Head of State said the government will no longer tolerate the destruction of property under the guise of protests, describing recent acts of violence—including supermarket burnings and attacks on police installations—as terrorism.
“Those who attack our police, those who attack our security men and women, those who attack our security installations—that is a declaration of war. That is terrorism. And we are going to deal with you firmly,” Ruto said, his voice sharp with anger.
The President said he has directed security agencies to crack down on protest organizers, whom he accused of paying young people to loot and vandalize property during the recent Gen Z-led demonstrations.
“We are going for their leaders,” Ruto declared. “All those who have been found doing that will be jailed.”
While reaffirming that Kenya remains a democratic nation where leadership is decided through the ballot, the President warned that no one should expect to rise to power through violence and destruction.
“Let them try to overthrow the government by planning violence. They will know they don’t know. This country will not be destroyed by a few people who are impatient and who want a change of government using unconstitutional means. It will not happen,” he warned.
“Let them plan, but we meet in 2027,” he added, referring to the next General Election.
Affordable Housing and Youth Employment
The President defended his administration’s track record on youth empowerment and job creation, citing the Affordable Housing Program as a key pillar.
He revealed that more than 320,000 young people are currently employed under the program, which includes over 200 housing projects across the country.
“We also have another 180,000 youth doing digital jobs, and 400,000 working in different sectors outside the country,” he said.
Specifically addressing police welfare, Ruto said 27,000 housing units are being constructed for police officers nationwide, with 540 units underway in Kilimani alone.
“Police are also parents just like us. They must live in dignified places. We have agreed, as a government, to make sure this happens,” he said.
The Head of State also ordered CS Alice Wahome and PS Charles Hinga to expand the workforce at housing project sites by bringing in more young people, as part of efforts to absorb jobless graduates.
“The biggest challenge we have in Kenya is that we have many youth who have finished their education but don’t have jobs. Jobs can’t be found through violence. They can only be found through planning,” he said.
On Opposition and ‘Political Hypocrisy’
President Ruto dismissed claims that youth unemployment is a new problem created by his administration, saying those inciting protests are distorting facts for political gain.
Ruto served as Deputy President for 10 years under Uhuru Kenyatta.
“There are people who want to con us that every young person had a job before Ruto became President. Let us stop lying to each other. I’ve listed what I’ve done—let them tell us what other governments did.”
He challenged critics to show evidence of past comprehensive plans that meaningfully addressed the unemployment crisis.
“The problem of unemployment is because we have never had a comprehensive plan like we have now. It cannot be sorted in one day. I am working on it.”
Ruto said the violence witnessed in recent days has crossed a red line.
“Anyone going to attack a police or police station, that is a declaration of war in the Republic of Kenya,” he emphasized.
“We are going to use whatever means available to make sure we stabilize this country. I will make sure there is peace and stability in Kenya by all means possible.”
“Enough is enough,” the President thundered.
The President has been facing serious opposition from the youth, who are calling for an end to corruption, extra-judicial killings, and enforced disappearances.
