Karua compares Ruto to Moi as tensions soar over state of country
By Ascah Mwango, July 8, 2025People’s Liberation Party (PLP) leader Martha Karua has compared President William Ruto’s government to the era of former President Daniel arap Moi, accusing the current administration of failing to listen to the people during a national crisis.
Speaking during an interview on a local TV station on Tuesday, July 8, 2025, Karua described President Ruto’s regime as heartless and ruthless, saying the situation today is more dire than in the Moi era.
“We are dealing with a heartless and ruthless regime led by a heartless and ruthless person in the name of Dr William Ruto,” Karua said.
While President Moi’s administration was known for limiting freedoms, Karua said it also had instances where the government pulled back during national unrest, often opening a window for dialogue.
“We call the Moi era the dark days. The distinction between today and those days is that whenever the nation was faced with a serious crisis and at the brink of disintegration, Moi always used to retreat a step back and genuinely listen to the people and attempt to bring solutions.”
In contrast, Karua highlighted that under Ruto’s leadership, the youth have taken to the streets multiple times to voice their frustrations, only to be met with gunfire, arrests, and alleged state-sponsored brutality.
Sorry state of country
Karua’s remarks come as the country reels from the aftermath of the deadly Saba Saba protests held on Monday, July 7, 2025. The demonstrations, largely led by youth demanding better governance and an end to police brutality, were met with brutal police force, abductions, and violence, as in the previous demonstrations.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has confirmed that at least 31 people were killed during the Saba Saba protests. In a detailed update released Tuesday evening, the Commission reported that 107 others were injured and 532 were arrested across different parts of the country. Two people were also reported missing, believed to be victims of enforced disappearances.
KNCHR expressed deep concern over the widespread destruction of property and the loss of lives, stating that the full extent of the damage had not yet been established.
“We strongly condemn all human rights violations and urge accountability from all responsible parties, including the police, civilians, and all stakeholders,” the Commission said in a statement.
The human rights body also conveyed condolences to families who lost loved ones and wished a speedy recovery to those injured during the protests.
In its update, KNCHR raised a serious alarm over the excessive use of force by the police and a pattern of human rights abuses in different counties. Peaceful demonstrators, human rights defenders, and journalists were reportedly harassed, assaulted, and in some cases abducted in broad daylight.
“This rogue regime continues to butcher Kenyans with impunity,” Karua said, echoing concerns from civil society groups about rising authoritarianism.
The Commission’s latest update follows an earlier briefing issued during the protests, in which they initially reported 10 deaths, 29 injuries, two abductions, and 37 arrests in 17 counties. At the time, they also highlighted disruptions to normal life, including the closure of schools and businesses, looting in at least six counties, and the burning of the Kerugoya Central Constituency Development Fund (CDF) office.
Healthcare access was also severely affected, with patients unable to reach hospitals due to blocked roads. Public transport, including rail and air services, was paralysed.
KNCHR further criticised the National Police Service for disobeying a High Court order that required officers to wear uniforms and display identification during public demonstrations. In some instances, reports emerged that criminal gangs were working alongside police officers to disperse protestors violently.
The Commission has demanded thorough investigations into the deaths, injuries, and abductions, reminding the state that Article 37 of the Constitution guarantees every Kenyan the right to peaceful assembly.