President William Ruto has declared war on unrest, warning that violent protests and attacks on police stations amount to terrorism and will be met with full force of the law.

Speaking during an inspection of government projects in Kilimani, Nairobi, Ruto said recent protests that turned violent in several towns across the country have led to looting, destruction of property and attacks on National Police Service (NPS) officers and stations.

“We are all Kenyans, but some people think they can cause anarchy in this country. Properties have been destroyed, homes and businesses broken into and it is leaders who are inciting this. They are financing youth to go and cause mayhem,” said Ruto.

He noted that the government will not stand by as chaos consumes development gains made over the years. “We cannot accept mayhem and anarchy to destroy the development we have in this country. That will not go on,” observed Ruto. 

The president said his administration is committed to protecting Kenya’s democracy and economic stability. 

“You can call me whatever names you want to call me, but I will make sure that there is peace and stability in Kenya by all means possible,” explained Ruto. 

Ruto argued that no country can thrive under the threat of violence and lawlessness. He said those attacking security officers and installations are declaring war. 

“For the avoidance of any doubt, those who attack our police, those who attack our security men and women, those who attack our security installations including police stations, that is a declaration of war. That is terrorism. We are going to deal with you firmly,” noted Ruto. 

He said the government will not allow the country to be destroyed by what he described as a few impatient individuals seeking unconstitutional means to change the government.

“This country will not be destroyed by a few people who are impatient and who want to have a change of government using unconstitutional means,” added Ruto.

Ruto stated that the administration will take all measures necessary to ensure peace and stability in Kenya. 

“We cannot have a nation that is run by terror. We cannot have a nation that is governed by violence. And it will not happen under my watch,” said Ruto. By Mike Kihaki, The Standard