NAIROBI, Kenya — President William Ruto has dismissed growing calls for his resignation as “empty slogans,” challenging the opposition and protest leaders to offer concrete policy alternatives instead of fueling what he termed “anarchy in the name of activism.”
Speaking during the International MSMEs Day celebrations on Friday, the President responded publicly for the first time to the now-viral slogan “Ruto must go,” popularized during the recent wave of youth-led demonstrations across the country.
He sought to remind Kenyans that the Constitution limits a president’s term in office and urged for sober engagement on matters of governance and leadership.
“If it is a question of terms, the Constitution has already settled it. You can be one or two-term, not more than that. So what is this craze about terms?” Ruto said. “If it’s ‘Ruto must go,’ then tell me—how do you want me to go? We have a Constitution in place.”
Rising Political Tensions
The President’s remarks come just days after the June 25 protests, which turned violent in parts of the country, leaving businesses looted, several people injured, and at least one fatality reported.
He appeared visibly frustrated, saying political change must be pursued through lawful and democratic means—not “destruction and incitement.”
“Let’s be honest with each other. If you want Ruto to go, come up with a better plan,” he challenged.
“Violence won’t solve our problems. You can’t replace a working plan with no plan at all. Persuade Us,” President Tells Opponents
In a tone that combined defiance with weariness, Ruto said that he is open to being voted out, but only if Kenyans are persuaded by a superior agenda.
“Please, there are very few fools in Kenya. Persuade us. If you convince us, I can go back to farming and help with food security. But don’t burn the country. For heaven’s sake, we don’t have another one.”
He warned that the ongoing unrest, if left unchecked, could destabilize the country and hurt the very citizens who are already struggling with a tough economy.
Pointed Attack on Opposition and Religious Leaders
The President reserved some of his harshest criticism for what he described as “reckless leaders” in both political and religious circles, accusing them of encouraging unrest without offering meaningful solutions.
“To the religious and political leaders pushing this country toward chaos and anarchy—what is your plan?” he asked.
Economic Fallout from the Protests
Ruto also lamented the economic cost of the demonstrations, saying thousands of jobs and livelihoods were lost in a single day.
“We had people employed on June 24th. By the 25th, their jobs were up in flames. And someone dares call that success? Really?”
He reiterated that while peaceful protest is a right protected under the Constitution, violence and vandalism will not be tolerated.
He directed security agencies to arrest and prosecute individuals involved in the destruction of property and disruption of business.
“This country does not belong to William Ruto. It belongs to all of us. And if we destroy it, we all lose.”
The remarks reflect a mounting political crisis as public dissatisfaction over the high cost of living, taxes, and governance fuels street protests.
Meanwhile, the government faces growing pressure from both local and international actors to address police brutality and listen to the concerns of young Kenyans taking to the streets in increasing numbers.
