In recent weeks, political unrest has flared across Kenya, with widespread chants of “Ruto Must Go” reverberating through the streets of Nairobi and beyond.
The clamour are a direct reaction to perceived leadership failures and the growing sense of helplessness among ordinary Kenyans in the face of escalating insecurity.
What has intensified the storm is the growing discontent towards the nation’s security chiefs, including National Intelligence Service Director General Noordin Hajji, General Robert Kahariri, and other high-ranking officials in the security sector, who have not only failed to take responsibility for the worsening situation but also made alarming public threats against citizens.
Security and political analysts are increasingly voicing concerns about the state of governance and national security under President William Ruto’s administration. Among the top brass, General Robert Kahariri, whose role in the military is central to Kenya’s defense, has come under fire for issuing veiled threats against civilians.
His latest public comments have raised eyebrows, particularly after he warned those questioning the government’s handling of security to “brace for the consequences” and “not challenge the might of the state.”
“These people must know, they should not dare challenge the might of the state. We will show them,” General Kahariri declared in a speech to a gathering of military officers.
“They should operate within the law. We are here to defend the constitution.”
His statements, seen as incendiary and disproportionate, have drawn widespread condemnation from human rights organizations and political analysts who argue that such rhetoric incites violence rather than fosters peace.
However, what has truly unsettled the Kenyan populace is the broader silence surrounding the accountability of Kenya’s security establishment. Despite the increasing frequency of forceful disappearances, terrorist attacks, and violent clashes on the borders, none of the high-ranking officials have publicly taken responsibility or offered viable solutions to mitigate these crises.
When Kenyans demanded answers for the rising cases of extrajudicial killings, the subsequent kidnappings of opposition figures, and the terrorist attacks that have claimed dozens of lives, NIS boss Noordin Hajji’s response was conspicuously absent.
Hajji, is tasked with safeguarding national intelligence and public safety. However, despite the rampant security challenges, he has remained mostly silent in public forums. Even in the aftermath of high-profile security lapses, such as the terrorist assault in Garissa and the recent border clashes with neighboring Ethiopia, Hajji has not been forthcoming with explanations or steps to address the failures of the intelligence community. His inaction in holding any officials accountable for these incidents has fueled further distrust among the public.
In a recent address, when pressed about the rising insecurity, Hajji claimed, “We are on top of the situation; rest assured, we are aware of every move made by those intending to harm the people of Kenya.” Yet, this statement was met with widespread skepticism, particularly as the frequency of such incidents continues to rise. As the director of the NIS, Hajji’s words have been called out for being far removed from the reality on the ground.
Moreover, the rhetoric from General Kahariri and other top military figures has left the public in a state of disbelief. One concerned citizen, Sarah Wambui from Nairobi, expressed her frustration, “We keep hearing threats but no action. Where is the accountability? Where are the people responsible when things go wrong? It’s always the citizens who pay the price.”
This feeling of helplessness is magnified by the government’s failure to address the ongoing disappearances that have raised international alarm. Since President Ruto took office, human rights organizations such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have reported a rise in cases of enforced disappearances. Despite the government’s assurances that it will investigate, no meaningful steps have been taken to hold those responsible accountable.
Security forces are also under scrutiny for their handling of the nation’s border areas, where conflicts with neighboring countries have led to countless casualties. In particular, the ongoing violence along the Ethiopia-Kenya border has raised serious questions about Kenya’s preparedness to protect its citizens. Yet, instead of focusing on providing solutions, General Kahariri and other military leaders have shifted blame to external forces, citing challenges beyond the nation’s control.
In his most recent speech on the issue, General Kahariri dismissed questions regarding the border conflicts, stating, “The situation is beyond our control; there are forces at play that we cannot engage with directly.” Such comments have sparked outrage, as many view them as an attempt to deflect responsibility rather than confront the issue head-on.
The situation has only worsened as the government’s narrative clashes with the lived reality of Kenyans. Instead of focusing on transparency and action, those in charge seem more intent on silencing dissent and evading tough questions. The Kenyan people have grown weary of the security establishment’s empty promises and threats.
The frustration is evident in the growing protests, where citizens are now demanding that President Ruto hold his security chiefs accountable. The chants of “Ruto Must Go” have been amplified by social media, where citizens have shared their personal stories of harassment, disappearances, and inadequate government responses to security threats.
This discontent has not only been limited to Nairobi but has spread to other regions of Kenya, particularly those affected by the country’s ongoing internal conflicts. From the coast to the north, people are calling for reform and a genuine effort to restore law and order, rather than a security apparatus that is more focused on suppressing its critics than solving the country’s security challenges.
As the political storm intensifies, President Ruto faces mounting pressure to address the concerns raised by ordinary citizens. It is clear that his leadership is being tested, not only by the violent protests and civil disobedience but also by the growing distrust of his security chiefs, who appear increasingly disconnected from the reality of their roles.
