President William Ruto has criticized former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s recent call for the youth to fight for their rights.
Speaking during a church service in Bungoma on Sunday, January 19, Ruto emphasized that the country’s young people need opportunities, not incitement to violence.
He underscored the need for constructive leadership that focuses on empowering young people through development opportunities rather than inciting unrest.
“The young people deserve the best from us as parents, the government, and leaders. These young people of Kenya don't need violence, they don't need confrontation; they want opportunities and jobs.
“That is what we should be doing as leaders instead of inciting them to violence, destruction, and many things that will not solve the problems and will not solve the problem of our country,” he added.
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Speaking during the memorial of Kibathi Muigai on Friday, January 17, Uhuru called on Gen Z to stand firm in the fight for their rights.
He asked the younger generations never to allow anyone to take away what they have worked for.
"The Gen Zs are the story of the future; fight for your rights, don't just stay there while people are taking away what's yours. Don't allow anyone to take away what's yours, you have worked for it, so make sure you keep what's yours.
"Everything is worth a fight for, if it's taken away let no one complain. Stand for what's yours. We are behind you," he said.
Other leaders who have called out Uhuru over his statement include Environment CS Aden Duale who claimed that the remarks were inciteful.
Additionally, the CS asked leaders to take moral responsibility while addressing the young generation, noting that it was unfortunate for leaders to set the stage for acts of disobedience.
"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 we will lose the moral high ground.
"When you stand before our young people, you have a moral responsibility. All leaders are parents and you had an opportunity to lead the country. Do not encourage young people to encourage violence. Encourage them to keep the peace and stability of our country,” he said.
