NAIROBI, Kenya – President William Ruto has fired a fresh warning shot—verbally this time—at those he believes are orchestrating chaos under the guise of protests, insisting the government will pursue them “regardless of status or title.”
Speaking at the 9th Edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation Programme in Elgeyo Marakwet on Saturday, Ruto didn’t mince words.
He accused unnamed politicians and leaders of planning and financing recent waves of destruction witnessed across key towns including Nyeri, Murang’a, Meru, Embu, and Kirinyaga.
“This wasn’t spontaneous,” the president declared. “It was planned. Coordinated. Deliberate. And to those behind it, we’re coming for you.”
In the wake of multiple demonstrations that have seen businesses torched and public infrastructure vandalized, Ruto made it clear that he’s done playing nice.
“Whether you’re a leader or not—if you incite violence, hire goons, burn businesses or destroy property, the law will catch up with you,” he said, firmly rejecting claims that the government’s actions amount to political persecution. “It is what it is.”
He emphasized that police have the constitutional authority and duty to uphold law and order—and that includes bringing to book all those who participated in the destruction of property.
“To the politicians, tutakutana na nyinyi,” he warned, adding that there would be no exceptions or sacred cows.
The president also took a moment to address what he sees as a pattern: certain leaders, instead of presenting development plans or policies, are allegedly fueling lawlessness to revive their political careers.
“We will stand firm against selfish leaders who exploit our youth to rescue their dwindling political relevance,” he said.
Ruto called on religious and political figures to stop inciting young people into acts of violence and lawlessness, urging the country to take a collective breath and reassess the direction it’s heading.
“We must step back as a nation and ask ourselves—is this really what we want to do?”
His remarks come at a time of heightened political tension, following nationwide protests and increasing concerns about the government’s response to public dissent.
But for Ruto, the message is now crystal clear: cause chaos, and the state will come knocking. “Enough is enough. I’ve tolerated this for too long,” he said.
