President William Ruto has called on Kenyan youth to ignore leaders inciting them against his administration, emphasizing the need for collaboration to create jobs and improve livelihoods.
Speaking on Sunday, January 19, during a church service at Cheptais High School in Mt. Elgon Constituency, Bungoma County, Ruto criticized those urging young people to engage in protests, labeling such leaders as lacking alternative solutions.
In an indirect jab at his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, who on Friday urged young people to fight for their rights, Ruto said those inciting the youth failed to create jobs for them.
Although Ruto took a subtle jab at Uhuru, his allies in the Western region, publicly criticised the former president, terming his remarks as a sign of disrespect to the current administration.
“Our young people deserve the best from us as parents, government, and leaders. We don’t need to incite them into violence and chaos. Instead, we must create opportunities, jobs, and business avenues to address their needs and uplift their lives,” said Ruto.
Addressing young people on Friday, January 17, Uhuru urged them to stand up for justice and protect Kenya’s assets from corruption.
“The problem with you (youth) is that you have become afraid. Even you, Ngina (his daughter), join the others because Gen Z is the story of the future. Fight for your rights and stop sitting around while your hard-earned sacrifice is stolen. Fight until justice is served, because nothing lasts forever,” Uhuru said.
This shift in tone from the former president comes after what many considered a cordial relationship between the two leaders following their December 9, 2024 meeting at Uhuru’s family home in Gatundu. Despite hopes that the meeting would foster unity, their latest public exchanges suggest increasing tensions.
Ruto outlined his administration’s efforts to empower youth, including affordable housing projects, ICT hubs, and labor export programs.
“As we speak, over 250,000 youths are working under the affordable housing project. ICT hubs have been established in various wards, and 280,000 youths secured jobs abroad last year under labor migration programs,” said Ruto.
He emphasized the importance of education, mentorship, and character development for young people, urging leaders and parents to take responsibility for guiding the next generation.
“Kenya’s future depends on our ability to provide the youth with quality education, mentorship, and jobs. Their success is the success of our nation,” he added.
Ruto’s allies took a harder stance against Uhuru, accusing him of undermining the government. Trans Nzoia Senator Allan Chesang criticized the former president for allegedly inciting the youth.
“Mr. President, we appreciated your gesture of unity when you visited the former president, but his recent actions contradict the spirit of reconciliation. He has lost direction by inciting the youth against your administration,” Chesang said.
Webuye West MP Dan Wanyama and Sirisia MP John Walukhe echoed similar sentiments, calling on Uhuru to enjoy his retirement instead of engaging in political confrontations.
Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi reaffirmed the UDA-ANC merger’s commitment to implementing the government’s manifesto. He dismissed claims that the alliance was designed to sideline any community, emphasizing its focus on uniting the country.
As political tensions simmer, Ruto has reiterated his administration’s resolve to deliver development and job opportunities for the youth, urging all leaders to focus on constructive initiatives rather than divisive rhetoric.
