NIS, KDF chiefs stern issue warning over calls to ‘illegally’ remove President Ruto from office

Top Security officials have warned against the publicized anti-Ruto campaigns dubbed “Ruto Must Go’ amid growing chants in the president’s public forums or events he attends recent one being during the international match between Gabon and Kenya.

The Director General for National Intelligence (NIS) Noordin alongside the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri warned that attempts to overthrow the government through unconstitutional means will cause national instability.

Both NIS and Military are apolitical government agencies.

They stated that leadership changes must adhere to the provisions of the constitution.

On his part, Kahariri stressed that there is a need for political expression to remain within the legal boundaries.

“Kenyans have the right to express their opinions, but this must be done in a manner that upholds peace and stability. As the military, our role is not political. We serve to defend the Constitution and support the government of the day,” Kahariri stated.

The CDF cautioned against the call for removal of president Ruto outside constitutional means, noting that the same citizens who voted in the government must respect due process in seeking any leadership transition.

“When people say they are tired of a government they freely elected and start demanding it ‘must go,’ they must understand that such change must be pursued through constitutional channels,” he said.

On his part, Noordin Haji expressed concern over the increasing use of social media to propagate divisive political messages, warning that such rhetoric could destabilize the country.

“Social media has become a breeding ground for polarising narratives, which are eroding our sense of national unity. Cohesion and security go hand in hand, and we must be vigilant in protecting both,” Haji noted.

He cautioned that ethnic-based mobilization and inflammatory political slogans risk fueling tensions that could lead to instability.

“The weaponization of ethnicity not only sows’ divisions but also weakens our society, making us vulnerable to internal conflicts. We must learn from history and safeguard our national stability,” he added.

According to Kahariri, KDF have a role in protecting the national and ensuring the law is upheld, as he added that the deployment of the military should not be politicized.

The CDF was addressing the recent involvement of the military in the anti-government protests as he asserted they only act in line with their constitutional mandate.

The warning comes amid growing public unrest, with anti-government chants becoming a common feature in social gatherings, including nightclubs and sporting events.

Such incidents indicate rising frustration among sections of the population, with economic hardships, governance concerns, and policy decisions fueling public dissatisfaction.

The two were speaking at the National Intelligence and Research University (NIRU) of Nairobi during a public lecture.

Their warning comes a day after the Defence Cabinet Secretary Soipan Tuya told the senate that KDF may intervene when internal Security threats arise with the support of the National Intelligence Service and the National Police Service.

The CS was referencing last year’s incident when the Gen Z protesters stormed the parliament, leading to a call for reinforcement from the military by the NPS.

“KDF is only deployed when internal threats go beyond the capacity of law enforcement agencies. Our mandate is clear, and it is always exercised within legal parameters,” Tuya stated.

The warning comes even as legal experts and civil society leaders have urged law enforcement agencies to uphold constitutional rights while maintaining security.