‘Criticism Is Normal, Even Moi Was Told!’ – Ruto Says Amidst ‘Ruto Must Go’ Surge
President William Ruto has downplayed the use of the ‘Must Go’ slogan by some Kenyans, claiming that he is unconcerned as long as the country is moving in the right direction.
The Head of State, speaking at the burial of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga’s assistant, George Oduor, in Ndori, Siaya County, on Saturday afternoon, stated that he was focused on delivering for Kenyans.
Ruto, in a jab at his detractors, stated that he would not be frightened and that he was proud of the country’s development, notably in education and other vital areas.
According to him, negative criticism was a necessary element of leadership, and this was not the first time a Kenyan leader had faced such criticism from the public.
In comparison, Ruto highlighted that such a phrase was used against his predecessors, including the country’s second President, Daniel Moi, while he was in power.
“Criticism is normal. Now you are saying ‘Ruto Must Go.’ I have heard that several times,” Ruto commented.
'Must Go' is an ordinary song. Where is the problem? I am not bothered – William Ruto pic.twitter.com/SWJ3QH6Bhd
— Kenyans.co.ke (@Kenyans) April 12, 2025
“There was ‘Moi Must Go,’ and other subsequent leaders were also told they must go. ‘Must Go’ is just a normal song. There is no problem about it.”
He added, “So there is no problem. They have been calling me Kasongo or Zakayo. I am not bothered because I am focused. We must get our education right, and we must handle devolution in the right way.”
During the burial service, the president urged Kenyans to unify for the sake of the country’s prosperity.
“Ruto Must Go” is a phrase that arose during the youth-led anti-government rallies that rocked the country in June and July last year.
It has become a common saying among Kenyans, being used in both political and non-political gatherings.
The term has occasionally been used on numerous forums as a rallying cry against President Ruto’s administration, opposing his present governance style.
A number of senior government officials have also reacted negatively to the slogan that now threatens Ruto’s long-term power.
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This comprises Noordin Haji, Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and Charles Kahariri, Chief of Defence Forces (CDF).
On March 27, Kahariri cautioned Kenyans who participated in the ‘Ruto Must Go’ shouts to do so constitutionally.
The CDF stated that any attempts to shift power must be made using acceptable means.
“We cannot exercise anarchy, and even as people exercise their rights, it should be within their bounds, within their rights, such that we cannot allow ourselves to exercise our rights to the extent of tearing apart the country,” Kahariri stated.
‘Criticism Is Normal, Even Moi Was Told!’ – Ruto Says Amidst ‘Ruto Must Go’ Surge
