President Faces Rising Criticism as Youths Mourn Victims of Gen-Z Anti-Protest
By Kelvin Kimuge
In the wake of the tragic deaths of several young activists during the Gen-Z anti-protest against the 2024/2025 Finance Bill, President William Ruto’s recent appeal for dialogue with the youth has been met with significant skepticism and dissent.
Yesterday, President Ruto expressed his readiness to engage in conversations with young people and other government associates. However, this call for dialogue has come amidst a somber atmosphere as families mourn the loss of their loved ones who died during the protests. The funerals of these victims have become focal points for public expressions of grief and solidarity.
Many families of the deceased have voiced strong disinterest in the President’s overture for negotiations. They argue that words are insufficient and have instead demanded concrete actions from the government. Their calls include a plea for the President to acknowledge and take responsibility for the tragic events, as well as requests for compensation for the affected families and coverage of medical expenses for those injured and currently receiving intensive care for bullet wounds sustained during the protests.
The discontent among the youth was further amplified by the recent meeting between President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga. During this meeting, Odinga’s support for the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) Bill was perceived by many as a move driven more by personal political gain than a genuine concern for the issues at hand. This has sparked a wave of criticism from the youth, who accuse Odinga of prioritizing his own interests over addressing their grievances.
As the President prepares to hold a meeting with the youth later this week, the situation remains tense. Across the country, the ongoing funerals of protest victims have seen a large turnout of young people and social media influencers, who have gathered not only to pay their respects but also to express their dissatisfaction with both the government and opposition leadership.
The tragic events have cast a shadow over the President’s proposed dialogue, highlighting the deepening rift between the youth and the political establishment. The call for justice and accountability echoes through the ceremonies of mourning, as the nation grapples with the consequences of the recent unrest.
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