President Ruto Commits to Dialogue Following Gen Z Demonstrations

By Florence Wangare
President William Ruto has acknowledged and praised the week-long peaceful demonstrations by frustrated Gen Z youth protesting against a proposed bill, promising to engage in open dialogue to address their concerns. Speaking during a church service in Nyahururu, Ruto expressed his commitment to understanding and resolving the grievances that have spurred the protests.

“We have seen your peaceful demonstrations, and I commend you for stepping forward to express your concerns over national matters. This is a democratic duty, and we recognize your efforts,” stated President Ruto. He emphasized his readiness to engage with the youth, affirming, “We are going to have a conversation with you so that we can identify your issues and work together as a nation.”

Acknowledging the tragic loss of young lives during the demonstrations, Ruto assured the nation of his administration’s dedication to justice and unity. He echoed sentiments of unity among the youth, highlighting their demonstration as a display of national unity without tribal divisions.

The Anglican Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit joined the conversation, urging President Ruto to intervene and ensure the police exercise restraint in handling the demonstrations. “It is painful that two young lives have been lost due to live bullets,” said Archbishop Sapit, emphasizing the need for justice and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing protests.

The demonstrations by Gen Z youth have drawn attention nationwide, with widespread support for their peaceful stance against the proposed bill. President Ruto’s commitment to dialogue marks a significant step towards addressing the grievances and fostering inclusive governance in Kenya.

As the nation awaits further developments, the youth remain steadfast in their call for accountability and fair treatment, hopeful that their voices will bring about meaningful change in the governance landscape.