Ruto asks leaders to seek power responsibly after June 25 protests
By Aloys Michael, June 27, 2025President William Ruto has come out strongly against the opposition following the violent June 25, 2025 protests, accusing political actors of using young people to instigate chaos and sabotage the country’s economy.
Speaking during an event celebrating Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) on Friday, June 27, 2025, Ruto dismissed the protests as politically motivated and warned that violence and economic sabotage would not be tolerated as the country heads toward the 2027 general elections.
“Let me say this, the right to protest is protected by the Constitution, but what we witnessed was not peaceful protest. It was calculated chaos. It was violence. It was destruction. And it was economic sabotage. Let’s call it what it is,” Ruto declared.
“If you love this country, Then stop banning it…. Be part of solutions and not the problems we are trying hard to address.”
In his sharpest remarks yet since the protests broke out on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, the President directly blamed unnamed political actors for inciting unrest and attempting to exploit the frustrations of the youth for political gain. He accused them of turning lawful demonstrations into platforms for looting and destruction.
“To the political actors who think they can exploit the genuine aspirations of our young people to commit chaos, violence and destruction — deal with your failure decisively within the full letter of the law,” said Ruto.
“For those who want power, the Constitution is clear. Elections will come. Formulate a better plan. Convince the people of Kenya. Win fairly. That is how change happens in a democracy.”
According to reports, dozens of people were injured and at least 15 killed in clashes with police. Ruto expressed his condolences to affected families but remained firm in his condemnation of what he termed anarchy disguised as democracy.
“I want to express my deepest regret for the loss of lives, looting, destruction and loss of valuable property belonging to our traders, deliberately targeted by criminal elements during the protests this week,” he said.
“The biggest victims of these killings were our hardworking traders and entrepreneurs — people who wake up early every day only to find their businesses and households reduced to ashes, others with broken doors and empty stores.”

Ruto’s voice
Ruto emphasised that while peaceful protests are a constitutional right, the recent demonstrations crossed the line into lawlessness. He promised accountability for the perpetrators and signalled an uncompromising stance on future disruptions.
“Those responsible must be identified, prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law, and dealt with decisively. Kenya is a country governed by the rule of law, and this government will not allow such acts to destroy lives and livelihoods,” the President said.
In a bid to steer the national conversation back to development and economic recovery, Ruto reiterated his administration’s commitment to job creation and support for small businesses, especially through youth-targeted initiatives.
He highlighted several programs, including the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement Program and the Kenya Jobs and Economic Transformation Program, which aim to build entrepreneurship capacity, provide seed capital, and make local enterprises more competitive.
“That much more remains to be done to unlock the full potential of the MSME sector in creating secure and sustainable jobs for the many young people entering our job market every year,” Ruto noted.
“The government is fully committed to supporting the private sector in achieving this goal.”
Ruto’s comments come at a politically tense moment, with opposition leaders promising to keep up pressure on his administration over high taxes, youth unemployment, and the rising cost of living. However, the President dismissed threats of further unrest, instead urging political leaders to channel their energy into ideas, not incitement.
“For the avoidance of any doubt, I know many families are hurting because they have lost loved ones. I know many families are hurting because they have lost life savings. But violence will only make things worse, not better,” he said.