Thirdway Alliance Party leader Dr. Ekuru Aukot has called for a mental assessment of President William Ruto, expressing deep concern over the President’s recent remarks regarding anti-government protests. Speaking during an interview on Citizen TV, Aukot stated that Ruto’s tone and approach to the ongoing nationwide unrest are alarming and indicative of a leader overwhelmed by frustration.
“I see frustrations in government because all of the government policies have failed. I see an angry president. You can’t govern a country with such an attitude,” Aukot said. He added that President Ruto’s handling of the protests marked by violent rhetoric and a hardline stance was not only dangerous but also out of touch with the grievances of the people.
Aukot’s comments come on the heels of Ruto’s recent directive to the police, instructing them to shoot protesters in the leg if they are caught looting or destroying property. While addressing officers during the commissioning of a police housing project in Nairobi’s Kilimani area, Ruto said, “Anyone who burns down someone else’s business and property, let them be shot in the leg and go to the hospital as they head to court.”
The President’s comments sparked widespread outrage, with civil society groups, legal experts, and political commentators warning against the normalization of extrajudicial force. Aukot accused the government of promoting a false narrative of national anarchy to justify a militarized response to legitimate dissent.
“The government is sponsoring a false narrative that there is a state of anarchy in Kenya… because Kenyans are invoking their sovereign power under Article 1 of the Constitution,” Aukot argued.
Protests have rocked Kenya since June 12, 2025, sparked by opposition to the now-withdrawn Finance Bill. Despite its retraction, demonstrations have continued, driven by broader frustrations over governance, corruption, and youth unemployment. The unrest has led to significant destruction of property, allegations of police brutality, and the deaths of innocent civilians.
As public dissent grows and pressure mounts on the Ruto administration, Aukot’s remarks reflect a rising chorus demanding accountability, de-escalation, and a return to constitutional governance.
