‘Keep Off Military!’ – Ruto Tells Kenyans While Defending CDF Kahariri
President William Ruto has broken his silence, warning the populace to avoid military activities.
This comes as public concern develops about the state of Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) operations and allegations of old and malfunctioning equipment.
Ruto appeared to be obliquely referring to previous stories that questioned KDF Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri’s views on the constitutionality of the president.
He spoke in Nakuru while presiding over the Cadets Commissioning Parade at the Kenya Military Academy in Lanet.
No amount of force can secure a nation on its own. True security is our shared responsibility, and every Kenyan is a stakeholder.
— William Samoei Ruto, PhD (@WilliamsRuto) April 16, 2025
We must, therefore, espouse the enduring mettle of our Kenya Defence Forces — unity of purpose, discipline in action and unwavering commitment to… pic.twitter.com/VAWkIZF9q9
Furthermore, the President appeared to respond to recent media reports that raised worries about the condition of military helicopters and planes.
The Head of State insisted that the troops not be subjected to public scorn and criticism.
Furthermore, he emphasized that he would safeguard the military, given their mission to ensure the safety of Kenya’s borders.
“I want to urge all Kenyans, leaders, politicians, and journalists alike that our military men and women are the anchor for our stability,” Ruto stated.
President Ruto cautions Kenyans, politicians and journalists over KDF comments pic.twitter.com/tomEoZJtAE
— NTV Kenya (@ntvkenya) April 16, 2025
“They are the insurance of our development, and therefore, we must be sensitive and keep off matters military in random talk.”
“My administration and I, as the Commander in Chief, will defend, by all means possible, our military as they guarantee our stability and development,” he added.
On March 27, General Kahariri garnered criticism for suggesting that any attempts to transfer power must follow constitutional procedures, warning that failing to do so could throw the country into turmoil.
He made the statements during a public presentation by Noordin Haji, Director General of the National Intelligence Service (NIS), at the National Intelligence and Research University in Nairobi.
“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.
“We, as the military, defend the Constitution and the government of the day, duly elected by the people,” Kahariri warned.
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“So when you decide that you are tired of the government you elected and then you start chanting ‘Must Go’, ‘Must Go’, that ‘Must Go’ must be done according to the Constitution.”
On Wednesday, the Standard Newspaper disclosed that the KDF has purchased over 130 aircraft throughout the years.
However, only 27 remain operational, adding that the rest have succumbed to wreckages, maintenance issues, or obsolescence.
“An audit of these aircraft reveals ageing machines plagued by frequent breakdowns, with a concerning misallocation of resources of the 19 aircraft available to the KAF, only seven are dedicated to security operations, while 12 are reserved for VVIPs, raising questions about priorities,” the story read in part.
‘Keep Off Military!’ – Ruto Tells Kenyans While Defending CDF Kahariri
