Ruto Warns Violent Protesters: ‘You Have Graduated From Protesters to Goons’
President William Ruto has issued a fresh warning to people involved in violence and destruction during demonstrations, declaring that the government will take tougher action against individuals he described as having “graduated from protesters to goons”.
Speaking in Busia on Sunday, July 26, 2026, Ruto said his administration had initially exercised restraint towards protesters because many were young Kenyans whom the government regarded as its own children.
However, he argued that the situation had changed as some demonstrations became associated with what he described as looting, arson, destruction of property and disorder.
“We were lenient with those who were demonstrating, causing chaos, looting and burning property because we said they are our children. But we’ve seen how damaging that is. They have now graduated from protesters to goons. We have vowed to deal with all goons,” Ruto said.
The President’s remarks came amid heightened political tensions in Kenya as the country moves towards the 2027 General Election.
Ruto has maintained that the government has a responsibility to protect lives and property while allowing Kenyans to exercise their constitutional freedoms. His latest warning, however, signals a tougher stance towards people accused of using demonstrations as a cover for criminal activity.
Ruto draws line between protests and violence
The President’s comments reflect the government’s repeated position that the right to demonstrate does not extend to looting, destruction of property or violence.
Ruto said Kenya could not allow criminality to flourish under the cover of political activity, insisting that peace and stability must take priority as the country approaches another election year.
He also sought to reassure Kenyans that the government would work to prevent political violence before, during and after the 2027 polls.
“Irrespective of who we are, our persuasion, our political leaning, whatever it’s that we believe in, we must have a peaceful nation. I want to assure you as the people of Kenya that we will have peaceful elections next year,” the President said.
In another part of his remarks, Ruto stressed that political leaders should be allowed to present their ideas to voters without intimidation, provided their activities remain peaceful.
The President’s comments come against a backdrop of recurring demonstrations and political confrontations in Kenya, including tensions surrounding recent political events and the Ol Kalou parliamentary by-election.
The government has previously argued that criminal elements can infiltrate demonstrations, while opposition figures and other critics have accused authorities of using the language of security and public order to suppress legitimate dissent. Those competing claims have become part of a wider political dispute ahead of the 2027 election.
Saba Saba protests raise security concerns
Ruto’s warning also follows heightened security concerns surrounding recent Saba Saba demonstrations.
Authorities have repeatedly emphasised the need for organisers of public processions to comply with the law, while government officials have warned against violence, destruction of property and political intimidation.
The President’s latest statement therefore places renewed emphasis on the government’s determination to distinguish between peaceful political expression and criminal conduct.
Ruto also argued that elections should not become a reason for Kenyans to destroy their own country, stressing that political contests come and go while the nation remains.
“Peace is not negotiable,” Ruto said, while reiterating that Kenya must remain “firm, united and stable.”
With the 2027 General Election approaching, the President’s remarks are likely to intensify debate over the balance between public security and the constitutional right to peaceful assembly.
For Ruto, the message is clear: political disagreement will be tolerated, but violence and criminality will face a tougher government response.
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