Martha Karua, the former Justice Minister, has sharply criticised President William Ruto, accusing him of undermining the Constitution and trying to silence Kenyans.

Speaking on Saturday, July 5, 2025, while attending the burial of Rigathi Gachagua’s aunt in Nyeri County, Karua said that the government’s recent response to youth protests had crossed the line.

“Wakisha taabisha watoto wetu, wanataka wanyamazishe Wakenya,” she said.

This translates to: “After troubling our children, they now want to silence Kenyans.”

She warned President Ruto that any attempts to rule outside the Constitution of Kenya 2010 would not succeed.

“Take it from me,” she said, “you will not be able to abrogate the Constitution. You will not be able to establish any government in Kenya that is contrary to the Constitution.”

Her comments come at a time of rising political tension following the protests led by Kenyan youth against the Finance Bill, police brutality, and wider government policies. Several young people have been arrested or injured, while some killed in recent weeks, leading to public outcry and accusations of state brutality.

Karua said Kenyans would unite to defend their democracy.

“As Kenyans, tutaungana, tutakusukuma, na hautaweza,” she declared in Kiswahili.

Meaning: “We will unite, we will push you, and you will not succeed.”

Ruto warned against dictatorship

She went further, comparing President Ruto to Uganda’s long-serving leader, Yoweri Museveni.

“I know that you are emulating your brother in the neighbouring country, M7,” Karua said, using Museveni’s popular nickname. “But we shall not allow your graduation as a dictator.”

The remarks drew cheers from mourners, many of whom appeared supportive of Gachagua and concerned about growing repression. Karua’s comments followed those of former Attorney General Justin Muturi, who had earlier in the day called for legal action against President Ruto under Article 143 of the Constitution.

With 2027 elections still two years away, leaders like Karua are positioning themselves as defenders of constitutional order and youth rights.