National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah has come to the defense of Chief of Defence Forces (CDF) General Charles Kahariri following his recent remarks addressing protesters chanting “Ruto must go.”

This comes a few days after Kahariri warned against actions that could destabilize national security, emphasizing the military’s commitment to protecting Kenya’s constitutional order. 

His comments were seen as a response to growing anti-government protests, especially on social media, calling for President William Ruto’s resignation.

Speaking at AIPCA Karure Church in Gatundu North on Sunday March 30, 2025, Ichung’wah argued that the CDF’s statement was within his mandate to safeguard national security and should not be politicized.

“The CDF was not engaging in politics, he was only advising Kenyans to wait for the election period and elect a person of their choice instead of shouting ‘must go’ all over. 

“He was advising Kenyans to adhere to constitutional provisions in expressing views about the leadership of the country. If you want to remove any leader from office, it’s only through elections or through a recall, following constitutional provisions,” he said. 

According to the Kikuyu MP, politicians who were pushing the ‘Ruto must go’ agenda are the same people who were planning to overthrow the government last year but they failed. 

He stressed that the military remains neutral and focused on its constitutional duty, urging Kenyans to address political grievances through lawful and peaceful means.

Meanwhile, speaking at the National Intelligence and Research University in Nairobi on March 27, 2025, General Kahariri stated that the military would not allow any actions aimed at overthrowing an elected government.

“We cannot have anarchy as a country. Even as people exercise their freedom, they must do so within certain limits. We, the military, are apolitical; we do not support any side,” Kahariri said.

“We defend the Constitution and the government of the day, duly elected by the people. Now that you feel tired of somebody you genuinely elected and begin to chant ‘Must Go’, that ‘Must Go’ should be done in accordance with the Constitution,” he added. 

Critics, however, have accused the military of overstepping by commenting on political matters, while supporters argue that Gen. Kahariri was merely reinforcing the importance of stability amid rising tensions.