Must go? Go where? Ruto tells off critics
President William Ruto addresses mourners during the burial service of the late George Oduor at Ramba High School in Siaya County on April 12, 2025.
What you need to know:
- Ruto said his predecessors faced similar situations and that such criticism will not distract him.
- The President also called on all citizens to help correct mistakes made by previous regimes.
President William Ruto has reiterated that slogans aimed at pressuring him to resign over the challenges facing the country will not deter him from delivering on his mandate as Head of State.
The President said he has long been hardened by chants such as “Ruto Must Go” and will remain focused on fulfilling the promises he made to Kenyans.
Speaking during the burial of George Nyang’ira Oduor, former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s long-serving aide, on Saturday in Ramba, Rarieda Sub-county, the President said his predecessors faced similar situations and that such criticism will not distract him.
“Criticism is part of this leadership journey. People are singing 'Ruto Must Go'; I’m already used to it. In fact, it started with 'Moi Must Go', then others followed. There is no problem with it,” said Dr Ruto.
He added that he is unfazed by the many nicknames he receives, insisting that his focus remains on achieving national goals.
“All the nicknames—today Kasongo, tomorrow another—I am not bothered. They won’t make me lose focus. We must fix our education, electrification, and infrastructure,” he said, emphasizing that every Kenyan has a role in building the nation.
The President also called on all citizens to help correct mistakes made by previous regimes.
He described the late Oduor as a loyal public servant who not only faithfully served his boss but also demonstrated patriotism by putting the country’s interests above his own.
Dr Ruto’s remarks on the national discourse come amid growing criticism from various quarters, the most recent being public outrage after students from Butere Girls High School were barred from performing their controversial play, Echoes of War, at the National Drama Festival in Nakuru.
Nairobi Senator Edwin Sifuna blamed the President over how the matter was handled.
President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during the burial service of the late George Oduor at Ramba High School in Siaya County on April 12, 2025.
“Sometimes problems are self-inflicted. There are people within your government who are constantly undermining progress,” Mr Sifuna said.
“Some officers around you are making your job harder for no reason. Why, for instance, did they bring so much drama in Nakuru with the Butere schoolgirls?”
Although the “Ruto Must Go” slogan has been trending since last year, ODM leader Raila Odinga has publicly dismissed it, warning that forcing the president out of office could lead to instability.
On Saturday, Dr Ruto received support from some of Mr Odinga’s closest allies, who insisted the President is not going anywhere. Siaya Senator Oburu Oginga cautioned against the chants, calling them dangerous.
“It’s sad that people are chanting 'Ruto Must Go'—go where? In Somalia, people demanded that Siad Barre step down. He left, and the country went into chaos from which it has never recovered,” Dr Oginga said.
Energy Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi also dismissed the chants as futile, stating that the region had made a deliberate decision to work with the current government.
“President Ruto, don’t be threatened. In this region, we are known for standing by our word. Those shouting 'Ruto Must Go' are in for a rude shock—he is going nowhere,” said Mr Wandayi, adding that the region is already benefiting from the broad-based government.
Trade unions boss Francis Atwoli urged the public to avoid actions that could destabilise the nation.
“This country requires all of us to be patriotic. If we lose Kenya, we have nowhere else to go,” said Mr Atwoli.
Commenting on the Butere Girls incident, Mr Atwoli warned politicians against using students to push political agendas.
The casket bearing the body of the late George Oduor during his burial service at Ramba High School in Siaya County on April 12, 2025.
“Politicians should keep children out of politics. If you must engage in politics, do it with adults,” he said.
Before aligning with President Ruto, Mr Odinga had warned that ousting Dr Ruto could inadvertently empower then Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.
Siaya Governor James Orengo warned the government against weaponising the criminal justice system.
“We must tell our leaders the truth and avoid being praise singers. If we allow things to go on as they are, this country is headed in the wrong direction,” said Mr Orengo, stressing that not everyone can be in government.
Mr Odinga reiterated the importance of devolution and emphasized that funds such as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) and other devolved functions must be handled at the county level.
Leaders who addressed mourners described the late Oduor as a loyal and diligent aide.
Mr Odinga eulogized him as “A man I trusted with everything, including money.”
President Ruto also acknowledged having benefited from Mr Oduor’s protection in past political events.
“I came to know George through ODM, and we were together in many situations. Someone here said I benefited from his security—and that’s true. In every situation, George was always present,” said Dr Ruto.
“And many others were there too, including Lumumba, who I thought was a security officer, but I now know is an elected MCA.”