Kenya’s President William Ruto on Wednesday accused his political rivals of attempting to overthrow his government, warning that attacks on police stations and violent protests would be treated as acts of war.

Speaking at the Kilimani Police Station in Nairobi during the inspection of a housing project for officers, Ruto said: “I want to tell those characters giving us lectures that they can change this administration using violence and unlawful means before 2027; let them try.”

“This is a democratic nation, and Kenyans will choose the nation's leadership through the ballot. We cannot choose leadership through violence. That is not going to happen in this country.”

His remarks come amid intensifying anti-government protests across Kenya, driven by anger over police brutality, economic hardship, and calls for his resignation.

In recent days, demonstrators have stormed police stations and clashed with security forces, with videos circulating online showing widespread unrest.

Ruto, visibly angered, accused some of the protesters of being funded by political opponents, vowing to respond firmly.

“Those who were found looting people's businesses will be dealt with by the law, and they will all be arrested, and we are going for those sponsoring them.”

He declared that any assault on police stations would be interpreted as an act of insurrection.

“Anyone going to attack a police station in Kenya… that is a declaration of war. It is not acceptable. Enough is enough. I will protect the property and the lives of Kenyans.”

The president added: “I will use whatever means that is available” to stabilize the country and secure his administration from what he described as unlawful attempts to disrupt democracy.

The warning comes just days ahead of the Saba Saba anniversary protests, where 31 people were killed at the hands of the police and more than 500 arrested, according to the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.