Why my 96 Jeep Cherokee country starts up but you have to put in park just so it stay running it wants to shut off what could be the problem?

The issue you're experiencing could be related to a faulty idle air control (IAC) valve, which regulates engine idle speed and can cause stalling when the vehicle is in gear. Additionally, there might be a vacuum leak or a problem with the throttle body that affects air intake. It's also possible that the transmission range sensor is malfunctioning, causing the engine to not run properly unless in park. It's best to have a mechanic diagnose the issue for a more accurate assessment.