President William Ruto has issued a stern warning to anti-government protesters and his critics, particularly those mobilizing Gen Z demonstrators, declaring that violent protests will not bring about political change and will be met with firm resistance from state security agencies.
Speaking on Wednesday during an inspection tour of a police housing project in Dagoretti North, the President said while Kenya remains a democratic nation, the government will not tolerate the destruction of property and attacks on police stations in the name of activism.
“There are people inciting young people to destroy property and burn businesses, claiming it’s because they don’t have jobs,” Ruto said.
“Let me ask—if a supermarket is burned down, will that create jobs? That will not happen in this country.”
In his most direct remarks yet since the Gen Z-led protests erupted nationwide, the Head of State described the recent spate of demonstrations—marked by vandalism, looting, and clashes with police—as a “declaration of war” against law and order.
He warned that anyone attacking police officers or government institutions would face severe consequences.
“To those leaders sponsoring violence, we are coming for you. Anyone who attacks a police officer or a police station will face the full force of the law,” he said.
“Anyone who attempts to destroy or burn businesses should be shot in the leg to stop them.”
The President’s comments come in the wake of growing nationwide unrest, largely driven by young Kenyans protesting rising unemployment and the high cost of living.
Critics accuse the government of ignoring the plight of jobless youth and cracking down heavily on dissent.
Ruto, however, dismissed claims that the unemployment crisis began under his administration.
“Are you telling me this issue of unemployment started with Ruto? This is a problem that has been around for a long time,” he said. “Let’s be honest with each other.”
The President defended his administration’s efforts to address the jobs crisis, pointing to initiatives such as the affordable housing program and the digital economy as key job creators.
He challenged previous governments to account for their role in what he termed a “historical failure.”
“For the first time, Kenya has a structured plan to deal with youth unemployment. Before, there was none. That’s why we ended up with a huge number of unemployed youth,” Ruto said.
He also hit out at opposition leaders and other critics whom he accused of plotting to destabilize the country ahead of the 2027 general elections.
“These leaders have run out of ideas. They’re going around saying there will be no elections in 2027,” Ruto claimed.
“They want to cause chaos and bloodshed in Kenya so they can overthrow the government. Let them try — they have no idea what they’re getting into.”
As protests continue across various towns, human rights groups have condemned what they describe as excessive use of force by security agencies, with several incidents of live bullets being fired at demonstrators.
Ruto’s latest comments are likely to deepen tensions, even as dialogue between the government and youth leaders remains minimal.
Security agencies remain on high alert, with additional deployments reported in major towns ahead of more planned protests.
