Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party, has strongly condemned recent comments by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), General Charles Kahariri, concerning the ongoing calls from some Kenyans for President William Ruto’s resignation.
Karua criticized Kahariri’s warning against the growing “Ruto Must Go” movement, which has gained momentum since the deadly Gen Z protests in June 2024, labeling it an infringement on Kenya’s constitutional rights.
In a statement released on Friday, Karua expressed alarm over what she termed as “unusual and alarming statements” from the military chief, arguing that Kahariri’s remarks constitute undue interference in Kenya’s political processes. She warned that such actions pose a threat to 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,” Karua asserted.
She added, “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 Boundaries
General Kahariri made his remarks during an inaugural public lecture on national security at the National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU), affiliated with the National Intelligence Service, on Thursday.
During his speech, Kahariri emphasized that while Kenyans have the right to express their opinions, they must do so within legal limits.
“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 the military’s apolitical stance, emphasizing its commitment to defending the Constitution and the democratically elected government.
“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 justified the military’s deployment during the 2024 protests, describing it as necessary for protecting 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 Political Expression
In response, Karua maintained that calls for President Ruto’s resignation, often encapsulated in the slogan “Ruto Must Go,” represent valid political feedback that the government must address.
“The calls of ‘Ruto Must Go’ are part of healthy feedback, which Dr. Ruto and his administration must take seriously,” Karua insisted.
She further argued that dismissing or intimidating citizens over their political expressions is unacceptable.
“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,” she said.
Karua urged General Kahariri to raise any national security concerns through the appropriate channels, such as the National Security Council, rather than making public statements that could be perceived as political interference.
She also called on Parliament to summon defense force leaders to account for what she described as an “assault on constitutionalism,” emphasizing the importance of maintaining an apolitical military for the stability of Kenya’s democracy.
Karua’s remarks reflect growing apprehension over perceived military and intelligence involvement in political matters, with observers warning against actions that could undermine Kenya’s democratic achievements.