Kenyan President William Ruto has issued a stern warning against what he described as sponsored attempts to destabilize the country through violent protests and unconstitutional means. Speaking in Nairobi on Wednesday, Ruto accused unnamed individuals of orchestrating unrest aimed at overthrowing his administration before the 2027 general elections.
In his strongest remarks yet, the president declared that any form of attack on law enforcement would be considered a “declaration of war.”
“They want to cause chaos, burn properties, and create a crisis so they can topple the government before 2027. But you cannot tell us that you want to organise violence to bring down a democratically elected government,” Ruto said in Swahili, addressing a crowd of supporters in the capital.
Kenya has been gripped by a surge of anti-government protests since June 2024, originally led by youths expressing frustration over rising living costs, corruption, and police misconduct. The unrest intensified in recent weeks after proposed tax hikes sparked nationwide outrage.
According to local and international human rights groups, at least 31 people have died in the latest wave of demonstrations, with security forces facing criticism for their heavy-handed response.
Rights activists have also raised concerns over reports that some individuals are being paid to infiltrate and disrupt peaceful rallies through violence and looting.
President Ruto reiterated that while the government is open to dialogue, it will not tolerate threats to national stability under the guise of violent protests.
“You cannot sponsor violence and go scot-free. Kenya is governed by law, and we will not allow political mercenaries to hijack our democracy,” he added.
The president’s remarks come amid growing calls from civil society organizations for accountability and restraint in the handling of demonstrations.
