Don't Bring Politics To The Military: Gachagua To CDF Kahariri

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Saturday, March 29, asked Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri to steer clear of local politics after his remarks in response to Kenyans engaging in the 'Ruto Must Go' chants, exercises, or regime change attempts.

Speaking at the consecration of Reverend Harrison Kinyua in Naivasha, Gachagua reminded the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) boss that he is in charge of a respected body nationally, owing to its professional conduct, and thus should not mix it with politics.

“I would like to tell CDF Kahariri that the military is a respected organisation in this country because it has conducted itself professionally since independence and is the only organisation Kenyans trust,” Gachagua stated.

"Please do not mix politics with the affairs of the military. The work of the military is to protect Kenya from external threats. Do not allow yourself to enter into the affairs of President William Ruto.”

CDF Kahariri's remarks drew controversy after he responded to the 'Ruto must go' chants that have been a common feature since the June-August 2024 Gen Z-led demonstrations. On Thursday, March 27, Kahariri urged Kenyans chanting 'Ruto Must Go' to ensure their actions align with the Constitution.

“We can’t have anarchy in the country, even as people exercise their rights, it should be within limits and within bounds, such that we cannot allow ourselves to exercise our rights to the extent of tearing apart the country,” said Kahariri.

He continued, “In the military, one of our core values is that we are apolitical, we don’t support any political side. We defend the constitution and the government of the day, duly elected by the people. So, when people decide they are tired of this government, yet they voted for it and say ‘must go’, it must be done according to the constitution.”

Meanwhile, Gachagua "corrected" Kahariri on the "Ruto Must Go" chants, stating that they were a rallying cry ahead of the 2027 general elections. According to Gachagua, this served as the clearest sign of Ruto’s potential defeat at the polls.

“The ‘Ruto Must Go’ chants are not contrary to the Constitution. Ruto will be removed from power as per the Constitution in 2027. So when you hear Kenyans chanting ‘Ruto Must Go’, it is just a rehearsal for 2027,” he opined.

Kenyans have been actively participating in anti-Ruto campaigns, both on social media and in public demonstrations.

Chants of "Ruto Must Go" have become common at social gatherings, including political rallies attended by the president, where citizens voice their discontent with him and the Kenya Kwanza government.

However, authorities have appeared to see the chants and protests as an effort to unseat President Ruto before the lapse of his current term.