‘Must Go’ politics: Mt Kenya’s history of rejecting presidents

The aggressive ‘Ruto Must Go’ chants have revealed a historical pattern in which sitting presidents from outside Mt Kenya region face hostility from the area.

Once again, the ‘Must Go’ chant is being directed at a sitting president— this time, William Ruto.

A review by the Star shows every time Kenya has a president who does not hail from the region, opposition leaders from the area weaponise the ‘Must Go’ slogan.

Former President Daniel Moi (deceased), for example, faced sustained pressure from Mt Kenya leaders throughout his 24-year rule. Now, the same narrative is resurfacing against Ruto.

Ironically, Ruto rose to power with massive support from Mt Kenya, which handed him a collective 3.5 million votes across its 10 counties.

His main rival in the election, Raila Odinga, garnered 800,000 votes from the region. Conversely, when a Kikuyu president is in power, such as Mwai Kibaki (deceased) or Uhuru Kenyatta (retired), calls for their resignation or rebellion are largely absent.

Their leadership enjoyed broad national support and political insulation from internal sabotage, courtesy of Mt Kenya’s business and political elite.

This contrast raises a critical question: is the resistance about governance, or is it rooted in tribal entitlement to power?

Just as Moi reached out to then-opposition leader Raila Odinga to stabilise the country in 1997 amid growing hostility from Mt Kenya, Ruto has found himself in a similar position.

Political pundits say Raila’s recent deal with Ruto bears striking similarities to his cooperation with Moi after the 1997 presidential elections.

Homa Bay Town MP Peter Kaluma argues that ‘Must Go’ is a political slogan allegedly used by a section of tribalists from Mt Kenya against non-Kikuyu presidents and leaders.

The slogan was never used against Jomo Kenyatta, the first Kikuyu president, despite accusations he amassed huge tracts of white settlers land intended to settle displaced Kenyans.

“The Kikuyu tribalists first coined and used ‘Must Go’ against Moi, the first Kalenjin and non-Kikuyu to become president,” Kaluma says.

“It was never used against Kibaki and Uhuru, consecutive presidents from the Agikuyu community. ‘Must Go’ is used to bully non-Kikuyu presidents.”

The MP said despite allegations of entrenched tribalism in public service and resource allocation during the Kibaki and Uhuru regimes, Mt Kenya never rebelled against their own.

Chants of ‘Must Go’ prompted Chief of Defence Forces General Charles Kahariri to warn that any attempts to transfer power must follow constitutional means, lest the country descends into chaos.

“The military defends the constitution and the government of the day. So, when you decide that you’re tired of the government you elected and start chanting ‘Must Go’, that must be done according to the constitution,” he said.

These chants have also been heard in public gatherings and political rallies attended by the President, as Kenyans express opposition to Ruto and the Kenya Kwanza government.

Authorities have interpreted the chants as part of an orchestrated attempt to remove Ruto from power.

National Inteligence Service director general Noordin Haji emphasised the need to shun divisive politics that threaten national cohesion.

He said political competition should not escalate into national instability that could incite public anger.

“It’s worth noting public discourse around intelligence isn’t new. However, we must remember intelligence work by its nature, cannot always be loud or self-explanatory. Yet, in a democracy, silence should never be mistaken for impunity,” Haji said.

During his recent tour of the region, Ruto said improvement in the miraa, tea, dairy and coffee sectors is a result of his close collaboration with local leaders and communities.

“I have built friendships with Meru and the mountain people for 20 years. My job as a leader is to unite everyone because unity translates to strength. I will ensure no part of Kenya, no community, is left behind,” Ruto said.

In what was seen as a veiled jab at former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, who has been criticising him, Ruto said he will not allow anyone to interfere with national unity.

“I will not allow anybody to come between us as we work together to develop the country,” he said.

In Meru, Ruto laid the foundation stone for Huduma Centre in Maua to bring government services closer to residents, eliminating the need to travel to Meru or Isiolo towns.

“It will be completed in five months and all government services will be accessible here,” he assured.

Ruto also launched a Sh280 million modern market in Maua.

Political analyst Alexander Nyamboga argues the campaign is built on empty slogans and tribal sentiments, which threaten national unity rather than promote it.

“Many of those leading the charge were once staunch Ruto allies during the 2022 election. Their defection seems more about regaining lost political capital than about policy failures,” he said.

Nyando MP Jared Okello said while Mt Kenya has produced three past presidents, it must shed any sense of entitlement.

“Kenya’s future cannot be anchored in ethnic entitlement. The notion that one community must perpetually dominate the presidency undermines the democratic ideals enshrined in our constitution. Other regions deserve the opportunity to lead and contribute to the nation’s progress,” he said.

Political analyst Dismas Mokua said the “Must Go” slogan undermines Kenya’s democratic institutions.

“This country has clear legal mechanisms for elections and accountability. No president has ever been unconstitutionally removed from office, and Ruto should not be the first,” Mokua said.

He said calling for the President’s removal, discredits the will of the millions who voted for him in 2022.

“Democracy demands patience, engagement, and respect for due process—not mob chants,” Mokua said.

“Mt Kenya must reflect on its historical role in Kenya’s political journey. Rather than falling into a cycle of opposing non-Kikuyu presidents, the region should lead the charge for inclusive governance and national development.”

Murang’a Senator Joe Nyutu argues the ‘Ruto Must Go’ narrative is not a campaign to remove Ruto from office but a clarion call to mobilise Kenyans to vote against him in 2027.

“Nobody wants to remove Ruto from office except through constitutional means in 2027,” he said.

Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi said the slogan is aimed at building momentum and mobilising Kenyans ahead of the 2027 polls.

“The reason you are hearing the ‘Ruto Must Go’ push is because Kenyans are tired of bad governance and poor leadership and want a regime change,’’ he said.

Kenyans have been overwhelmed by heavy taxation and are simply saying no to more taxation, impunity and abductions.

“When Gen Z protests forced Ruto to dissolve his Cabinet, it was not about Mt Kenya but all Kenyans who protested heavy taxation. Those making such claims are belittling a major movement that will send Ruto home in 2027,’’ he said.