Kenyan President William Ruto on Saturday publicly criticised his detractors ahead of planned rallies to commemorate last year’s widespread protests.
The East African nation has experienced violent clashes involving demonstrators, police, and armed groups in the lead-up to the anniversary of the youth-led demonstrations from 2024.
The rallies peaked on June 25 last year when demonstrators, angered by proposed tax increases and demanding Ruto’s resignation, stormed parliament and were met with live fire from security forces. Activists and families of those killed have vowed to march on June 25 this year in remembrance, urging police and politicians to ensure a peaceful demonstration.
Addressing his critics during a speech in Meru, eastern Kenya, Ruto dismissed their arguments as “empty rhetoric and propaganda.”
He challenged them, stating, “They have no agenda, and they have no plan, because when you ask them what alternative they are offering, they will tell you ‘Ruto Must Go,'” referencing a popular chant from last year’s protests.
He further added, “Ask them what plan they have for health, for agriculture, for education, and all they will say is ‘Ruto Must Go’ because they have no vision.”
Ruto also asserted his resolve, saying, “I have seen some leaders going around issuing threats that I will serve one term. I am not the kind to be threatened or intimidated.”
Last year’s protests marked the most significant crisis of his presidency, forcing him to partially retract proposed tax hikes and conduct a cabinet reshuffle.
Although Kenyans have mostly stayed home since then, tensions have recently resurfaced following the death of a teacher in custody.
Additionally, protests last week against police brutality, a persistent issue in the country, were marred by the death of a bystander at the hands of an officer, sparking further outrage nationwide.
