Following former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s remarks urging Gen Z to rise and fight for their rights, President William Ruto has finally broken his silence on the issue.
Speaking during an interdenominational prayer service at Cheptais High School in Bungoma County on Sunday, the President, in a thinly veiled response, indirectly dismissed Uhuru’s calls to the youth terming them as ‘inciteful.’
According to Ruto, young Kenyans should not be pitted against each other, emphasising that what they need instead are job opportunities to keep them engaged.
”Our young people deserve the best from us. Let us not pit our children against each other. These young Kenyans do not need violence or confrontation,” Ruto stated.
President William Ruto(centre), PCS Musalia Mudavadi and National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula during an interdenominational prayer service at Cheptais Boys High School in Trans Nzoia County on January 19, 2025.
Moses Wetangula
The Head of State further stated that leaders should rise to the challenge of encouraging young people to engage in meaningful economic activities instead of incitement.
”They want jobs and opportunities to engage in business and that is what we should be doing as leaders instead of inciting them to violence,” he added.
On Friday, Uhuru urged Gen Zs to continue fighting for their rights, just two months after a symbolic ‘handshake’ with Ruto following a closed-door meeting at his Ichaweri home in December last year.
Speaking during the burial of his cousin and veteran rally driver Kibathi Muigai on Friday, Uhuru did not hide his thoughts over the rising influence of Kenyan youth on political discourse.
”The problem of people nowadays is people are afraid. Gen Zs are the story of the future. Fight for your rights. Fight to ensure you are getting what is rightfully yours,” Uhuru stated.
He added, ”Don’t stand and watch as your wealth is taken from you. Everything is worth fighting for. If you do not fight for it, don’t cry if it is taken away.”
Uhuru’s sentiments, however, elicited mixed reactions with Ruto’s allies jumping to the defence of their boss.
His allies, including Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, have suggested that the remarks are politically motivated, and aimed at ‘destabilising’ the government.
Speaking during the alumni gathering of Garissa High School on Saturday, Duale further criticised Uhuru’s remarks, describing them as inciteful and undermining the government of Ruto.
”It is very unfortunate if we the leaders, current and former, set the stage where we tell the young people of our nation to commit acts of violence and disobedience. I think by doing so, we lose the moral high ground,” Duale stated.
”You had the opportunity to lead the country. Do not ask young people and encourage them to commit violence. Instead, encourage them to keep peace and stability of our country,” he added.
The earlier remarks by the retired President are likely to ignite discussions regarding their recently established ‘political handshake.’
Additionally, Ruto’s remarks are expected to further fuel the already set political fights arena, even as Kenyans continue to express their fears over derogatory remarks some leaders have been making.
Earlier this month, Dadaab MP Farah Maalim and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah were accused of making remarks that could undermine national cohesion.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission(NCIC) has however continued to remain tight-lipped on the recent wave of derogatory remarks despite concerns from Kenyans.
The NCIC has yet to summon any leaders or issue a statement regarding the remarks. As the country gradually gears up for the 2027 elections, political temperatures appear to be rising, with alliances and divisions becoming increasingly evident.
President William Ruto and Uhuru Kenyatta. PHOTO/ Uhuru Kenyatta.