Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has told the Chief
of Defence Forces Charles Kahariri to steer away from politics lest he dents
the reputation of the Kenyan military.
Speaking at the Redeemed Gospel Church in Naivasha, Gachagua
cautioned Kahariri against wading into the political scene.
“Do not bring politics in the military, and for your
information, when people chant Ruto Must Go, it is not to say that Kenyans want
to remove the President through illegal means. It is a clarion call, in
preparation for the General Elections. Ruto will be removed from office through
constitutional means in August 2027,” Gachagua stated.
The former DP pleaded with Kahariri to ensure the military
remains professional, stating that it is the only institution that Kenyans
trust.
On Thursday, Kahariri said Kenyans engaging in the 'Ruto
Must Go' chants and advocating for a regime change must ensure that they do so
through constitutional means.
Kahariri stated that any attempts to transfer power must be
made through acceptable means, lest Kenyans risk destroying the country.
"We, as the military, defend the Constitution and the
government of the day, duly elected by the people. 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,"
Kahariri warned.
The KDF boss took the opportunity to explain why the
military is usually deployed during protests, stating that they are simply
exercising their mandate of defending the Constitution and the Republic.
Kenyans have been actively engaging in anti-Ruto campaigns
both online and on the streets.
Chants of 'Ruto Must Go' have also been prevalent in social
gatherings, including political rallies attended by President William Ruto,
where Kenyans express their opposition to him and the Kenya Kwanza government.
Some leaders have interpreted the chants as an attempt to remove Ruto from power by all means.
