A political storm is brewing after President William Ruto’s shocking remarks in Lugari, Kakamega County, where he appeared to suggest he might refuse to surrender power if he loses the 2027 general election.
The bombshell statement, made on Sunday, June 15, 2025, has triggered fierce backlash—most notably from Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party and former Justice Minister, who has accused the president of dangerously undermining Kenya’s Constitution and fanning the flames of fear.
“This is not a monarchy. Power isn’t personal property,” Karua thundered in a hard-hitting statement posted on her official X (formerly Twitter) account on Monday, June 16.Referring to Ruto’s chilling words—“Some folks think I’ll just hand over power.
Let them try me and see”—Karua said the president’s rhetoric reeks of authoritarianism and blatant disregard for the rule of law. “Handing over power isn’t charity—it’s constitutional. The law is not a suggestion,” she added.
Opposition leaders have united in condemning Ruto’s remarks, calling them a red flag for Kenya’s democracy. Karua warned that such utterances pose a serious threat to the nation’s hard-earned democratic gains.
“It’s not just reckless. It’s unacceptable,” she said. “We didn’t fight for constitutional order just to watch it be sabotaged by political arrogance.”
With the youth-led Gen Z movement showing early signs of political mobilization ahead of the 2027 elections, tensions are already running high—and Karua’s remarks may ignite further pressure on the government.She also questioned the eerie silence from Ruto’s inner circle and ruling coalition:
“Where are the voices reminding him of his oath to defend the Constitution? Have they all become accomplices—or are they just too scared to speak truth to power?”Calling on Kenyans to remain vigilant, Karua emphasized that power lies with the people—not the presidency.
“When the time comes, the president must surrender the keys. That’s not a debate. It’s the law.”Karua further appealed to the international community, the judiciary, and civil society to closely monitor Ruto’s behavior:
“If a sitting president openly hints at clinging to power, the world should be alarmed. Kenyans certainly are.”As Kenya braces for a high-stakes election season, one thing is clear: the fight for democracy is far from over—and the battle lines are already being drawn.
