The political truce between President William Ruto and former President Uhuru Kenyatta appears to be on shaky ground following Uhuru’s recent call for Gen Z to “fight for their rights.”
Ruto, speaking at an interdenominational prayer service at Cheptais High School in Bungoma County on Sunday, issued a stern response, terming such remarks as inciteful and counterproductive.
“Our young people deserve the best from us. Let us not pit our children against each other.
Ruto with Uhuru Kenyatta during ichaweri tour. Photo: William Ruto Source: Facebook
These young Kenyans do not need violence or confrontation. They need jobs and opportunities to engage in meaningful economic activities,” Ruto said.
The remarks by Uhuru, made on Friday during the burial of his cousin Kibathi Muigai, were a rallying cry for youth to demand what is rightfully theirs. Uhuru had said, “Gen Zs are the story of the future.
Fight for your rights. Fight to ensure you are getting what is rightfully yours. Don’t stand and watch as your wealth is taken from you.”
These comments have sparked criticism from Ruto’s allies, with Environment Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale condemning them as politically motivated.
“It’s unfortunate for leaders, current or former, to encourage acts of violence and disobedience among young people. Such remarks only destabilize the government and undermine peace,” Duale said during an alumni gathering in Garissa.
The tension is particularly striking given the symbolic handshake between Ruto and Uhuru in December 2024, signaling reconciliation.
However, the recent exchange has raised questions about the durability of their newfound political understanding.
As political temperatures rise ahead of the 2027 elections, concerns about national cohesion grow.
The National Cohesion and Integration Commission (NCIC) has yet to address these rising tensions, leaving Kenyans wary of further division in an already polarized political landscape.
