President William Ruto has pushed back against growing anti-government sentiment and renewed calls for his resignation, urging critics to shift from personal attacks to policy alternatives that can steer the country forward.
Speaking during International MSMEs Day celebrations in Nairobi on Friday, the President reframed the ongoing political unrest as a test of leadership—not just for government, but for opposition voices as well.
“If you want Ruto to go, look for a better plan. Violence won’t fix Kenya. Let’s be honest with one another,” he said.
President Ruto argued that protests calling for his ouster, including the now-viral slogan ‘Ruto Must Go’, lack constitutional or strategic grounding.
He called on his critics to clearly define their demands within the framework of democratic processes.
“The Constitution already provides for term limits. So what is this craze about terms? And if you say I must go—how? Tell me how. Because we have a Constitution in place,” Ruto challenged.
His remarks come just days after widespread anti-government protests on June 25 turned violent, leaving injuries, damage to property, and business losses across major cities.
Rather than dismissing opposition voices outright, Ruto threw the ball back into their court, urging them to persuade the nation with superior ideas and tangible solutions.
“If you persuade us, I can go and concentrate on farming and food security. But don’t burn the country—we don’t have another one,” he said, underscoring the importance of stability and dialogue.
The President also took aim at religious and political leaders who, he claimed, were fueling unrest without offering constructive alternatives.
“What is your plan?” he asked. “You cannot replace a working plan you don’t like with no plan.”
