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Kenyan President William Ruto issued a strong warning on Wednesday against efforts to “overthrow” his government through “unconstitutional means,” asserting that recent violent protests were financially sponsored.
Kenya has experienced a series of protests since June of last year, initially driven by young people’s frustration over the economy, corruption, and police brutality, which intensified after proposed tax increases. These demonstrations have been met with escalating force by the police.
Speaking in Swahili, Ruto declared, “They want to start chaos, organise protests, burn people’s property, and bring disaster to overthrow the government before 2027… You cannot tell us that you want to organise chaos to overthrow the government!”
He further warned, “You cannot sponsor violence and go scot-free,” adding that any attacks on the police would be considered a “declaration of war!”
Ruto’s strong remarks follow nationwide anti-government rallies earlier in the week, where at least 31 people were killed, according to human rights groups.
These groups have also condemned police brutality during the protests and highlighted the rise of individuals reportedly paid to disrupt and loot rallies.
