NAIROBI, Kenya, Mar 29 – People’s Liberation Party leader Martha Karua has strongly criticized remarks made by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, regarding ongoing calls by a section of Kenyans for President William Ruto’s resignation.
Karua termed Kahariri’s warning against the “Ruto Must Go” movement— which has been growing since the eruption of the deadly Gen Z protests in June 2024— as an affront to the Constitution of Kenya.
In a statement on Friday, Karua expressed deep concern over what she described as “unusual and alarming statements” from the military chief.
She argued that Kahariri’s comments amounted to interference in Kenya’s political affairs, warning that such actions undermine constitutional democracy.
“The sovereignty of the Kenyan people and the supremacy of the Constitution are matters that have been settled both in our jurisprudence and political culture as a constitutional democracy,” she asserted.
“It is therefore disturbing that the head of the armed forces should descend into the arena of partisan politics and purport to direct Kenyans on how far they should exercise their hard-won liberties.”
Legal limits
General Kahariri made the remarks during an inaugural public lecture on national security at the National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU), a National Intelligence Service-affiliate on Thursday.
The General emphasized that while citizens have the right to express their views, they must do so within legal and constitutional boundaries.
“We can’t have anarchy as a country. Even as people exercise their rights, they must do so within certain limits. We cannot allow people to exercise their rights to the extent of tearing apart the country,” Kahariri said.
He reiterated that the military remains apolitical and is committed to defending the Constitution and the government elected by the people.
“When people decide that they are tired of the current government, which they themselves elected, and start saying ‘must go, must go,’ that must be done according to the Constitution,” he added.
Kahariri also defended the military’s deployment during the 2024 protests, saying it was a necessary measure to protect the republic.
“When people question why the military was deployed… we have a responsibility. We took an oath to defend the Constitution and the republic,” he stated.
Legitimate feedback
Karua emphasized that the public’s calls for President Ruto’s resignation— commonly expressed in the slogan “Ruto Must Go”— constitute legitimate political feedback that the government must take seriously.
According to Karua, attempts to dismiss or suppress such sentiments through intimidation by security officials are unacceptable.
“The calls of ‘Ruto Must Go’ are part of healthy feedback, which Dr. Ruto and his administration must take seriously,” she insisted.
“They cannot be wished away by indirect threats or intimidation by our esteemed security personnel, who have no business cautioning, advising, or admonishing Kenyans on their very lawful feedback.”
Karua advised General Kahariri to channel any concerns regarding national security through the appropriate forums, such as the National Security Council, where he serves alongside the Director of the National Intelligence Service and the Attorney General.
She further urged Parliament to summon the leadership of the country’s defense forces to account for what she termed an “assault on constitutionalism.”
“The longstanding tradition of an apolitical military is a major guarantor of the stability and endurance of our democratic experiment,” Karua noted.
“At a time when our country and region are faced with multiple threats, the least of General Kahariri’s worries should be the theater of political contestation, especially when it is being conducted legitimately.”
Karua’s remarks add to growing concerns over the perceived involvement of the military and the NIS in political matters, with observers cautioning against any actions that could erode the country’s democratic gains.
