President William Ruto has dismissed mounting calls for his resignation, questioning the legality and sincerity behind the popular protest slogan “Ruto Must Go” and urging opposition leaders to propose credible policy alternatives instead of inciting violence and unrest.
Speaking on Friday during the International MSMEs Day celebrations, Ruto addressed the ongoing anti-government demonstrations that escalated into chaos on June 25, leading to widespread destruction of property, loss of jobs, and several injuries across multiple counties.
“If it is a question of terms, the Constitution has already settled it, one or two terms, no more,” the President said. “If it is ‘Ruto must go’, then tell me how you want me to go. Because we have a Constitution in place.”
He accused opposition leaders and critics of promoting anarchy without offering any structured solution. “If you want Ruto to go, look for a better plan. Violence will not. Anarchy will not. It will not sort out our country,” he said, visibly frustrated.
Ruto challenged his opponents to present viable alternatives to his administration’s development agenda, particularly on job creation and lowering the cost of living. “You cannot replace a plan that is working with no plan, simply because you do not like it,” he asserted.
Addressing both political and religious leaders whom he accused of fueling unrest, the President asked: “What is your plan? If we go this route, we won’t have a country. And the country doesn’t belong to William Ruto, it belongs to all of us.”
Ruto condemned the destruction caused during the June 25 protests, lamenting the economic losses and social instability. “We had many people with jobs on June 24. On the 25th, their jobs went up in flames. Yet some are calling that success. Really?”
He also emphasized the importance of persuasion over coercion in political discourse. “Please! There are very few fools in Kenya. Persuade us. If you do, I can even go back to farming and help with food security. But don’t burn the country, we don’t have another one.”
In a firm directive, Ruto ordered security agencies to identify and prosecute those responsible for the violence, reaffirming his government’s commitment to protect lives, property, and national stability through the enforcement of the rule of law.
“The rule of law must prevail,” he concluded. “We are not going to allow anyone to destroy the livelihoods of millions under the cover of protest.”
Written By Rodney Mbua
