‘Tell Me How You Want Me to Go’ Ruto Responds to ‘Ruto Must Go’ Slogan
Nairobi – President William Ruto has pushed back against public calls demanding his resignation, telling critics that Kenya’s constitution already defines how a president’s term ends. Speaking at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre during a national event for micro, small, and medium enterprises, Ruto told the crowd that leadership is won through ideas not threats.
“If it is ‘Ruto must go,’ tell me how you want me to go,” he said. “We have a constitution in place, dear people. The issue of term limits is settled. You can either run for one term or two. You cannot have more than two terms.”
Ruto’s comments come amid growing tension following nationwide protests on June 25, which left at least 16 people dead and hundreds injured. Demonstrators, mostly young Kenyans, marched under the banner “Ruto Must Go” in protest of the Finance Bill 2024 and rising living costs.
Ruto dismissed personal attacks and urged his critics to offer tangible solutions. “If you want Ruto to go, look for a better plan,” he said. “Convince Kenyans. You cannot replace a plan you don’t like with no plan.”
He defended his administration’s performance, pointing to efforts to bring down the cost of living. “If you have a better plan, I can also go and concentrate on farming,” he added. “Don’t burn the country. If there is no country for William Ruto, then there is no country for you.”
The president described the protest violence as a threat to national stability. “The only thing some of you are armed with is hate and violence,” he said. “And you expect us to agree with you? There are very few fools in Kenya.”
He condemned the destruction and looting witnessed during the protests, calling it a betrayal of constitutional freedoms. “Power must be pursued through democracy, not anarchy,” Ruto declared.
He directed Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja to launch immediate investigations into the unrest. “This disorder disguised as democracy must be exposed. The perpetrators must be identified, unmasked, and prosecuted,” he said.
The president did not mention any steps toward dialogue with protest leaders but insisted the government would respond firmly to threats against peace and order.
Tensions remain high across parts of the country as civil rights groups continue to demand justice for victims of police brutality during the demonstrations. Calls for independent investigations into the killings have yet to be addressed.
