President William Ruto has strongly condemned the June 25 demonstrations, describing them as a well-organized effort to create chaos and destroy the country. Speaking during the World MSME Day event in Nairobi on Friday, the President said what happened on that day was not a peaceful protest but a display of hooliganism hiding behind the name of demonstrations.
Ruto said the scenes witnessed were meant to paint the country in a bad light and chase away both local and international investors.While expressing his anger and concern, Ruto told the public that he was open to leaving office but only if those who are unhappy with his leadership can present a clear and better plan for the country.
He criticized the popular protest slogans like “one term” and “must go,” saying that such messages only fuel division and do not offer any meaningful solution.
According to the President, those who want to take over leadership should do so through the right process, which is the 2027 general election, and not by pushing for confusion in the streets.
He went on to say that if Kenyans had a well-thought-out plan that is better than his, then he would gladly step aside and return to farming to help solve the issue of food security. But he emphasized that burning buildings and destroying property is not the way to bring change.
He questioned the motives of those calling for his resignation without giving a clear alternative or strategy. In his words, people cannot reject a plan they dislike without having another solid plan to offer.
The President also showed disappointment over the destruction that took place during the protests. He pointed out that many buildings were burned down, and businesses were looted, leading to the loss of billions of shillings.
Ruto sympathized with hardworking traders and business owners who woke up only to find everything they had worked for turned to ashes. He said such actions are not only unfair to investors but also a big step backward for the economy.
Ruto further blamed some opposition leaders for allegedly encouraging young people to join the protests and cause destruction. He warned that those behind the unrest would face serious consequences.
To make sure justice is served, he instructed the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, to begin investigations without delay and arrest all those responsible for looting, burning, and violence.
He made it clear that those involved in the June 25 unrest must face the full force of the law and that security agencies must act quickly and thoroughly. Ruto said the government will not allow the country to be pulled down by a few individuals using protests as a cover for lawlessness.
