"Mnitoe Kama Munaweza, Mkijaribu Mtatajua Hamjui" - President Ruto Tells Gen Zs, Challenges Them To Overthrow Him

President William Ruto has shifted his tone from diplomacy to defiance, daring protesters—particularly members of Gen Z—and unnamed political influencers to attempt to topple his government through unrest.

Speaking at the inauguration of a new police housing project at Kilimani Station in Nairobi on Wednesday, July 9, he issued a blunt warning: any bid to seize power outside the democratic process would be met with resolute force.

“Some leaders have claimed they won’t wait for 2027—that they plan to ignite chaos, looting, and destruction to force regime change,” Ruto said. 

“Well, let them try. They’ll find out they know nothing. This is Kenya—a democracy.” With those bold words, the president rejected attempts to change government through violence, insisting that only the ballot box determines national leadership.

This declaration follows several weeks of demonstrations across Kenya, largely driven by Gen Z activists who have taken to both streets and social media demanding systemic reforms and justice for police misconduct. 

While most protests have been peaceful, a few have escalated into confrontations and property damage, heightening concerns within security services and political circles.

Earlier this month, Ruto instructed police officers to “shoot in the legs” anyone caught vandalizing or looting—clarifying he does not want deaths, but to incapacitate offenders before arrest to preserve peace and protect livelihoods. 

He justified this directive as necessary to safeguard public safety and livelihoods. 

“We are protecting people’s property and businesses. Looting will not be tolerated,” he stated.

While rights groups have condemned excessive force, the president maintains that accountability and lawful protest remain permissible—violence is not.

“Kenya is a democratic nation. Leadership changes through elections, not by burning down cities or inducing fear,” Ruto remarked, urging citizens to respect constitutional processes.

Ruto’s message targets what he perceives as an alliance between radicalized youth and political operatives intent on destabilizing his government ahead of the 2027 general elections. 

He stopped short of naming individuals or groups but left no ambiguity about his readiness to counter any unconstitutional moves.

In closing, the president reiterated that any unrest aimed at overthrowing the government “will be crushed and dealt with swiftly under the law.” 

However, he welcomed peaceful, lawful expression of grievances, urging citizens to channel their voices through democratic means.