Karua to Ruto: Democratic gov't doesn't result in killing, it resigns

People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has called out President William Ruto’s administration over what she termed as a blatant disregard for democratic principles, following the recent wave of anti-government protests across the country.

Speaking on Citizen TV’s The Explainer Show on Tuesday night, Karua said a truly democratic government ought to listen to its citizens, not turn against them.

She thus advised the president to heed the now-overwhelming public calls to step down, saying it was the timely and right thing to do.

“Whether you have been elected overwhelmingly or marginally, when the people loudly express, in developed democracies, a government would not resort to killing — it would actually resign and pave the way,” Karua said.

“But we are seeing a ruling elite that has no respect for the people or the Constitution. By not respecting people’s voices and resorting to murder to sustain yourself in power as a ruling elite is total contempt not only for human life but also for the voices of the people.”

Karua said the anti-government protests — which erupted in at least 37 counties, were a strong signal that Kenyans had collectively rejected Ruto's regime.

The outspoken politician added that leadership is not about personal ambition but about submitting to the will of the people.

“I may think I’m the best, but if people think otherwise, I must give way to what the people think. I am not the one who has sacked William Ruto; it is the people of Kenya who, through coming out in 37 counties, collectively told him: you and your regime, your share of life has expired,” she noted.

“The decision of who can provide better leadership is not a personal thing. In fact, those who seek leadership must humble themselves to the decision of the people.”

Citing global examples, Karua referenced former South African President Thabo Mbeki’s resignation when his party recalled him, saying such actions set the bar for responsible governance.

Karua also drew from her own political journey, recounting how she voluntarily stepped down as a Cabinet minister during the Grand Coalition Government over differences in leadership principles.

“We saw Thabo Mbeki leave South Africa. Even for those of us who were looking, we felt he had done such a great job — but he respected the wishes of the people,” Karua noted.

“Even if you feel that perhaps you have been misunderstood, you still must give way — and that is the standard I hold myself to. I resigned voluntarily as a Cabinet minister, losing almost half of my salary, privilege and power, but saying: because I am not comfortable with what is going on within government, I removed myself and returned to the back benches of Parliament.”

Her remarks come amid growing calls for accountability, through the viral ‘Ruto must go’ chants and pressure on the Kenya Kwanza administration to respond decisively and lawfully to the demands of Gen-Z-led protests sweeping across the country.