20 civil society groups condemn President Ruto over 'profane' public utterances

Twenty civil society organisations have sharply condemned the conduct of President William Ruto over what they describe as profane and divisive public utterances, warning that the remarks undermine the dignity of the presidency.

In a joint statement issued on Wednesday following a meeting in Lukenya, the organisations said the country is at a critical moment, citing shrinking civic space, economic hardship and what they termed the steady erosion of democratic institutions.

Led by Inuka Kenya Ni Sisi CEO Dr Kawive Wambua, the groups said Kenya’s democratic structures appear intact, but their substance is under strain.

“Kenya's formal democratic structures seem intact. But their substance is eroding under the weight of institutional capture, declining public trust, economic hardship, and a shrinking civic space,” said Dr. Kawive.

The coalition, which brings together civil society actors, faith groups, labour movements and governance institutions, linked the current state of affairs to growing public discontent, referencing the June 2024 Gen Z protests.

“The June 2024 Gen Z protests were not just a protest. They were a verdict,” Kawive stated.

The organisations accused the President of using inflammatory and personal attacks against political leaders, saying such conduct “degrades the Presidency” and betrays constitutional expectations.

Representing Transparency International Kenya, Sheila Masinde cited Articles 73 and 131 of the Constitution, emphasising that presidential authority is a public trust that must be exercised with honour and restraint.

“The conduct that continues to degrade the Presidency is appalling… authority assigned to a State officer is a public trust. It must bring honour to the nation and dignity to the office,” she said.

The groups insisted that the presidency is not a personal platform for political attacks, but a symbol of national unity belonging to all Kenyans.

They are now calling for what they term “political hygiene from the top,” urging the president and all leaders to exercise restraint in both speech and conduct.

Additionally, the coalition raised alarm over alleged abductions, intimidation of civic actors, illegal deportations and interference with democratic institutions.

“The attack on civic space is unacceptable… we demand for the immediate cessation of all actions that restrict these fundamental freedoms,” Dr. Kawive noted.

They also warned that continued executive interference in independent institutions and legislation passed without public participation threatens constitutional order.

The organisations called on Parliament to assert its independence, the Judiciary to remain firm, and security agencies to uphold constitutional freedoms, insisting that their mandate is to protect - not silence - citizens.

At the same time, the coalition pointed to the rising cost of living and strain on key sectors, saying millions of Kenyans are grappling with harsh economic realities.

“Maisha ni mbaya for millions of Kenyans, this is not just a phrase, but a daily reality marked by rising costs of living, shrinking opportunities, and growing uncertainty about the future,” read a section of the joint statement.

The groups urged Kenyans, particularly the youth, to register as voters and remain vigilant ahead of the 2027 general election, describing the moment as decisive for the country’s democratic future.

They maintained that leadership, especially from the highest office, will determine whether Kenya strengthens its democracy or slides further into institutional decline.