President William Ruto has agreed to leave State House but only through a constitutional and legal process, warning that any attempts to force leadership change through chaos and destruction would not succeed.
Speaking during a national address on Friday evening, the Head of State pleaded with Kenyans not to destroy the country in the name of protests, following days of nationwide demonstrations that escalated on June 25, resulting in widespread property damage, injuries, and reported deaths.
“If you want Ruto to go, develop a better plan, convince the people, and win in the ballot. That’s how democracy works,” Ruto said firmly. “Anarchy dressed in freedom colours is still anarchy.”
His remarks came in the wake of violent anti-government protests that saw government buildings, private businesses, and critical infrastructure attacked or looted.
According to the president, over 300 police officers were injured while trying to maintain law and order during the protests, which he described as hijacked by elements bent on destruction.
President William Ruto attending a past function
“I respect the right to peaceful protest,” Ruto noted, “but burning property, looting businesses, and attacking police officers is not the path to reform. It is the path to ruin.”
The June 25 demonstrations took a dangerous turn in major towns including Nairobi, Kisumu, and Mombasa. Several state offices were breached and torched, with the police stations nationwide being the most targeted.
Ruto condemned the violence and called for national healing, even as he maintained a strong stance against what he termed as “mob justice and populist insurrection.”
“The presidency is not occupied through stones and slogans, it is earned through votes and vision,” he stated.
He challenged opposition leaders and protest organizers to “channel their energy into building a credible alternative” rather than plunging the nation into unrest. “Convince the people. Let’s meet at the ballot. And the rest, as they say, will be history.”
Despite the chaos, the President reiterated that his government was open to dialogue and that he remained committed to listening to the concerns of young people and all Kenyans.