Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa has dismissed the anti-government protests, saying they will not unseat President William Ruto.
Barasa insists the president’s tenure is secure despite mounting public discontent over the high cost of living and recent controversial policies.
Speaking during a burial ceremony in Mt Elgon, the outspoken legislator argued that historical and tribal dynamics, rather than policy failures, are fueling calls for Ruto’s resignation.
In his X account dated June 29, 2025, he attached his video with “Kelele ya firimbi haiwezi toa @WilliamsRuto kwa ofisi.”
Barasa also referenced past presidents Daniel Moi, Mwai Kibaki, and Uhuru Kenyatta to support his view that leadership has always faced criticism but endured. “When Moi came in, he was disturbed because of being a Kalenjin… When Kibaki came in, no one said he must go… When Uhuru came in, no one said he must go. Now that it is William Ruto, people are saying he must go and serve only one term,” he said.
He dismissed the demonstrations, now symbolised by the use of whistles, as ineffective: “Kelele ya firimbi haiwezi toa Ruto kwa ofisi.”
Barasa claimed that the opposition to Ruto is largely tribal and not based on governance issues. “It’s not because he is bad or has not done developments, but because of his name—Arap Ruto. If he were William Kamau or Njuguna, believe you me, no one would dare say ‘wantam,’” he said.
Challenging ethnic biases in leadership expectations, Barasa added, “If you have the mentality that a president must come from your community for you to respect him, then you are wrong. We are all the same.”
The MP urged Kenyans to give Ruto more time to prove his leadership, suggesting that the president deserves a second term. “We have given William Ruto five years; we should add him another five years so that we can see his transformation,” he said.
Concluding his remarks, Barasa made a passionate appeal for unity: “Those who do not like his tribe, let them love his works. If you don’t like his works, love his looks. If you cannot love his looks, then love Kenya as a whole.”
His remarks come in response to growing tensions nationwide and recent controversial statements by Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, who defended police actions during protests held in memory of those killed on June 25, 2024.
