President William Ruto has issued a response to growing calls from sections of the public and opposition leaders demanding his resignation.
Speaking on Monday, May 5, Ruto challenged his critics to offer tangible policy alternatives rather than relying on protest slogans.
He said that those chanting “Ruto Must Go” were not offering any constructive solutions or development plans for the country.
"I want to tell those people chanting ‘must go’, before you say ‘Ruto Must Go,’ first come up with policies for the people. The citizens want to know. We have plans to build roads; what have you planned? We are connecting electricity, we have affordable housing, and we are building markets too.
"What are your plans? ‘Must go’ is not enough, and it’s not a policy. Organize yourselves properly, otherwise we will dismantle you early and in broad daylight,” he said.
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This comes barely a month after Ruto downplayed growing chants of 'Ruto Must Go' that have been echoing in various parts of the country.
Speaking during the burial of Raila Odinga's long-time aide George Oduor on Saturday, April 13, Ruto referred to the chants as a recurring feature of the political landscape.
“Criticism is normal. Now you are saying 'Ruto Must Go.' I have heard that several times. There was 'Moi Must Go,' and other leaders who were also told they must go. 'Must Go' is just a normal song and there is no problem with it," he said.
Earlier, Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri addressed the chants, urging citizens to express dissent within constitutional boundaries.
Speaking at the National Intelligence and Research University on Thursday, March 27, he stated that while citizens have the right to express themselves, it must be done within the limits set by the Constitution.
Kahariri highlighted the military's role in defending the Constitution and the duly elected government, cautioning against actions that could lead to anarchy.
"We cannot have anarchy as a country. Even as people exercise their freedom, they must do so within certain limits. We, the military, are apolitical; we do not support any side.
"We defend the Constitution and the government of the day, duly elected by the people. Now that you feel tired of somebody you genuinely elected and begin to chant 'Must Go', that 'Must Go' should be done in accordance with the Constitution," he said.
