National

Ruto ready for talks with Gen Z, 'even if on X Spaces'

Protesters fighting the Finance Bill, 2024, are pictured in a confrontation with anti-riot police officers on Moi Avenue in the Nairobi central business district on June 25, 2024. (Photo: Justine Ondieki/EV)

By Barack Oduor | Sunday, June 30, 2024

The president defended his decision to form a multi-sectoral forum to engage young people but noted that it was only a suggestion.

President William Ruto says he is keen on discussions with Gen Zs, who spearheaded demonstrations against the now-recalled Finance Bill, 2024, one platform being X Spaces.

Ruto spoke on live television on Sunday night, in a roundtable interview he requested, which was broadcast from the State House in Nairobi with Linus Kaikai (Citizen TV), Joe Ageyo (NTV), and Eric Latiff (KTN).

"I am ready to engage young people on platforms where they are comfortable, even if it's X Spaces," he said.

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President William Ruto: I am ready to meet the youth (Gen Z) on X/Twitter (X space)#RutoMustResign #RutoMustGo #RejectBudgetedCorruption pic.twitter.com/r2gm8Sv5Ou
— The Eastleigh Voice (@Eastleighvoice) June 30, 2024

The president defended his decision to form a multi-sectoral forum to engage young people but noted that it was only a suggestion.

"It was just a suggestion because I promised to engage young people," he said, adding that he was committed to listening to them like a father would.

"I have many young people in my house and I know they want to be engaged," he said.

Asked whether the report from the forums he's seeking to create would gather dust, like others in the past, he promised that this would not be the case, reiterating his pledge to transform Kenya and make it suitable for young people and their dreams.

The president also touched on the matter of politicking in church, saying it was wrong and that politicians should stop this habit as well as church harambees as this is a breeding ground for graft.

The Gen Zs have gone to some churches and stopped politicians from interfering with programmes as part of efforts to reform the country, following the success of the #RejectFinanceBill action, which has seen Ruto withdraw the proposed laws.