Nairobi, Kenya | May 29, 2025
In an unprecedented show of political defiance, Kenya’s Generation Z has issued a scorching statement rejecting President William Ruto’s public apology and invitation to “join him in building the nation.”
Instead, the youth-led movement has drawn a clear line in the sand, “We will build Kenya — but not with you at the helm.”
The press statement, released just hours after Ruto’s televised address, pulls no punches.
It accuses the government of hollow apologies, systemic corruption, youth repression, and blood-stained leadership.
The response reflects the deepening anger and disillusionment that has galvanized thousands of young Kenyans into daily protests across the country.
“You cannot lead us to a future you have sold off,” the statement reads, accusing the government of leveraging debt, taxation, and violence to silence dissent.
The youth accuse Ruto’s administration of having “weaponized taxes to crush dreams,” while peaceful protests have been met with what they call “bullets, threats, and propaganda.”
Apology Rejected: ‘Forgiveness Requires Justice’
President Ruto, in a national address on Wednesday , struck a somber tone as he acknowledged the pain and frustrations voiced by Kenyan youth.
He asked for forgiveness and urged Gen Z to help steer the country forward.
But the youth response was swift and merciless.
“Mr. President, your apology rings hollow when lives have been lost. When young Kenyans are being abducted and brutalized for speaking up. When voices are silenced.”
In the statement, Gen Z called for truth, justice, and accountability and demanded that Ruto and Deputy President Kithure Kindiki resign immediately as the first step toward reconciliation.
‘Respect Is Earned, Not Demanded’
The youth also had strong words for Deputy President Kindiki, who recently lectured youth on respecting elders. Gen Z responded with a piercing retort:
“Yes, Gen Z respects elders. But respect is earned, not demanded. Elders must lead with wisdom, humility, and justice not arrogance, lies, and fear.”
A New Generation of Patriots
Far from being a chaotic mob, the statement paints the youth movement as one grounded in patriotism and purpose.
“We are not vandals. We are not mercenaries. We are not naive. We are patriots,” it reads. “This movement is not about chaos , it is about clarity. It is not about hate , it is about healing.”
But the message is unyielding, healing will only begin when those responsible for Kenya’s wounds “step away from the scalpel.”
As the political elite scramble to respond, one thing is clear: the youth of Kenya are no longer the leaders of tomorrow , they are the voice of right now.
