IN SHORT: A viral social media post falsely claims that Kenyan president William Ruto resigned following mass protests in June 2025. However, the claim is untrue and is based on a fabricated letter.
A post going viral on social media claims that Kenyan president William Ruto has resigned after facing massive protests on 25 June 2025.
The posts begin with a quote reading “Power must Never silence the voice of the People”, followed by the statement: “Kenyan President Ruto Resigns After Massive Protest.”
It then quotes Ruto as saying: “This decision does not come lightly. Leadership must never become tyranny. Power must never silence the voice of the people.”
The posts also include photos of Ruto and demonstrating Kenyan youth.
Some of the posts ask users to check the proof of his alleged resignation letter in the comments section.
One comment linked to an article referring to a letter dated 27 June, allegedly written by Ruto and announcing his resignation.
“After deep reflection and in acknowledgement of the growing call from millions of my fellow citizens — particularly the youth, civil society, and the custodians of our Constitution — I have decided to tender my resignation as the President of the Republic of Kenya,” it reads, in part.
It goes on to say that Ruto is resigning because the trust bestowed upon him “has been eroded by systemic failures under my watch: the rise in police brutality, erosion of constitutional freedoms, the stifling of media and civil space, capture of public institutions, and questionable dealings that compromised our national sovereignty”.
“Let this mark the beginning of a national healing process, and a rebirth of ethical leadership rooted in transparency, justice, and service,” the letter concludes.
Young Kenyans, commonly referred to as generation Z or Gen Z, took to the streets on 25 June 2025 to commemorate the June 2024 demonstrations, which were sparked by that year’s unpopular Finance Bill. The demonstrators have often chanted “Ruto must go” and “One term”.
The protests were marred by violence that resulted in deaths and destruction of property.
But has Ruto resigned? We checked.
Fake letter and false claim
Ruto often uses his verified social media accounts, including on Facebook and Twitter, to communicate with Kenyans. Such a resignation letter would likely have been posted on these platforms and his resignation might have been streamed live. However, no video or letter has appeared on either account, and both bios still read “President of The Republic of Kenya”.
Local and international media have closely followed the demonstrations and would likely have broadcast the resignation live or reported on the contents of the letter or the alleged resignation. However, Africa Check found no instances where credible media outlets reported on this development.
Since the letter surfaced on 27 June, the president has continued to carry out his presidential duties, including visits to Spain and the United Kingdom. This was reported by local media.
The claims that Ruto has resigned are false and should be disregarded.
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