Ruto: Leaders must offer solutions, not encourage youth unrest
His remarks come amid rising political tensions, with some critics, including his former ally Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing his administration of weak leadership.
Political leaders have been urged to refrain from inciting Kenyan youth into acts of violence and instead focus on providing meaningful opportunities for their growth.
President William Ruto made the appeal on Sunday during a church service in Bungoma County, where he criticised leaders who encourage young people to cause unrest.
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Ruto said such actions hinder the country’s development and fail to address the challenges facing the youth.
“These young people of Kenya don’t need violence, they don’t need confrontation. They want opportunities, jobs, and engagement in business,” he said.
“That is what we should be doing as leaders instead of inciting them to violence, destruction, and other things that will not solve their problem or the problem in the country.”
Ruto reiterated his administration’s commitment to creating more opportunities for job creation and economic growth. He urged young people to take advantage of existing programmes in various sectors, including labour migration, ICT hubs, housing, and agriculture.
“There are opportunities in labour migration, ICT hubs, housing, and agriculture. So plan yourself accordingly with these opportunities, and your life will progress,” he said.
The President dismissed criticism from his political opponents, maintaining that his focus remains on transforming the country.
“Do not worry about those hurling insults because they do not have an alternative plan. But Kenya will move forward. You can take that assurance from me,” he said.
His remarks come amid rising political tensions, with some critics, including his former ally Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing his administration of weak leadership.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also called on Kenyan youth to take an active role in fighting for democracy and better governance.
Speaking during the burial service of his cousin, Kibathi Muigai, at Nairobi Chapel on Friday, the former Head of State expressed concern over what he described as a lack of courage among the younger generation in addressing societal challenges and defending their rights.
Kenyatta criticised the tendency of citizens to remain silent as public resources are mismanaged and poor leadership takes root, urging them to be vocal and proactive.
“The problem with people nowadays is that everybody is scared; sijui mmeogopeshwa (I don’t know why you’ve been intimidated),” he said.
He further encouraged his younger family members to join efforts by Gen Z in pushing for change, emphasising that standing up for their beliefs was essential for securing the country’s future.
“Even you, Ngina, go back and join this. Gen Zs, you are the story of the future,” he said.
“Fight for your rights, sio kukaa hapo mali yenu ichukuliwe na nyinyi mmeitolea jasho! (Don’t sit back and let what you’ve worked hard for be taken away.) Don’t allow it. Fight to ensure you get what’s rightfully yours. Do you hear me? Don’t just sit there. Nothing lasts forever.”
His remarks came at a time when the Gen-Z and other young people are fighting against bad governance in general - and abductions and extrajudicial killings in particular — perceived to be done by the government.
Despite the criticism, Ruto has vowed to press on with his development agenda, promising that his legacy projects will succeed.
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