President William Ruto has launched a scathing condemnation of the June 25 protests, describing them not as peaceful demonstrations, but as a deliberate attempt to plunge the country into chaos and destroy livelihoods under the guise of dissent.
Speaking Friday during the World MSME Day event in Nairobi, the Head of State did not mince his words, calling out what he termed “orchestrated anarchy”, driven by faceless forces with no alternative vision for Kenya’s future.
“What happened on Wednesday was not protest, it was hooliganism pretending to be peaceful,” Ruto declared, his tone somber and sharp.
In a moment of unexpected vulnerability, Ruto said he would be willing to step down, but only if those pushing him out of office could present a clear, better plan to lead the nation forward.
“If you persuade us, I can also go and concentrate on farming and help in food security, if you have a better plan. But do not burn the country,” he said, throwing the gauntlet at the feet of his critics.
“If it is ‘Ruto Must Go’, then tell me how you want me to go. What do you mean by that? You can’t replace a plan you don’t like with no plan.”
While reaffirming his commitment to democracy, Ruto challenged those opposed to his regime to seek change through constitutional means, urging them to “convince the people” ahead of the 2027 elections, rather than chanting inciteful slogans in the streets.
But behind his words lay deep frustration and sorrow over what he called the wanton destruction of Kenyan enterprise.
Buildings razed, shops looted, and livelihoods lost — Ruto lamented that billions in investments had been reduced to ash in mere hours.
“The biggest victims were not politicians, but hard-working traders and entrepreneurs who opened their businesses only to watch them burn,” he said.
The President also blamed opposition-linked forces for allegedly radicalizing and mobilizing youth to fuel unrest, warning that the state will no longer tolerate such actions.
“Sponsors of chaos must face the consequences. This country will not be run on incitement and violence.”
To that end, Ruto issued a stern directive to the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, demanding immediate action:
“The perpetrators of violence, looting, and destruction must be identified and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law — swiftly and decisively.”
“I expect the Inspector General and all relevant security agencies to conduct immediate, thorough, and speedy investigations into the violent protests of June 25.”
As Kenya wrestles with rising youth unrest, economic hardship, and deepening political divisions, Ruto’s remarks mark a turning point, a public challenge to his opponents, a defense of his leadership, and a plea to save the nation from tearing itself apart.
