Charlene Ruto Dubs Gen Z Protests as Riots, Speaks Against ‘Kusalimia Watu’: “Mob Mentality”

• Charlene Ruto has revealed her investment in the young people for the last three years in Kenya
• The first daughter shared what she thinks the young people are looking for, which is the opposite of what it seems
• Many who saw her message reacted with mixed reactions, with some noting that the youth have tried to use all the right channels with no action

President William Ruto's daughter, Charlene, has shared her sentiments towards the Gen Z movement that has taken over the country.

Charlene went on X (formerly Twitter) to share a message, which she noted was an affair of her heart.

Charlene Ruto sends a message to Gen Z

The first daughter shared a lengthy message, saying that the conversation is not just about a seat at the table, but a place in each other's hearts.

She said she has invested in the youth for the last three years through meeting and deep engagements and learnt that many are looking for connection and not conflict.

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She said young people are looking for a platform and mentorship, rather than destruction and violence, as they hope to be part of the solution.

"Young people are actually looking for connection, not conflict; they are looking for a platform, not destruction; they are looking for mentorship, not violence; and they definitely want to be part of the solution, not the problem," she wrote.

In reference to the recent Gen Z protests, Charlene noted that no nation can benefit from encouraging division, be it generational.

She mentioned some of the things she has seen in society, like peer pressure, mob mentality, hate raids, dubbed 'Kusalimia watu,' and riots, saying they don't qualify as unity.

She wondered how the passion and ideas could be turned into policy and plans.

She also claimed that the energy behind riots could be redirected into reform-based engagements.

She also mentioned 'shouting', which she believes many are doing while protesting, can be transformed into constructive dialogue.

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"There is no nation that will ever benefit from encouraging division be it generational, tribal, or even racial. Peer pressure, mob mentality, hate raids (“Kusalimia watu”), and riots do not qualify as unity," she wrote

However, it is clear that even before the 2024 Anti-Finance Bill protests, the youth tried to voice their disagreements through online platforms but were not heard until they stormed parliament.

For a leadership that refuses to listen, how else should young people push for dialogue, knowing that whatever they propose will be shut down even before it gets to the table?

A Gen Z protester, Steven Kali, also told TUKO.co.ke that from the First Daughter's words, it is clear she is not oblivious to the fight.

"We have tried to ask for justice and reforms in the correct manner, we started by speaking online and even had a Space chat with the president, since then it seems nothing has changed, and that is why we go back to the street. It's not like we don't want dialogue but the other side is not willing to do so."

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Here are some of the reactions from netizens towards her views:

@Atito4Atito said:

"Reaches...a very powerful group is still out here. It's about good governance... let the president act...we all must live in this country...we both love it!"

@REDAnfld asked:

"I wonder what you think about the youths who die in protests all the time."

@BabaDieumerci said:

"What is the difference between your meetings with the ones at jaba base? Opinions for optics and PR. Ask your dad why youth of contrary opinion "hit their heads on the walls of police stations" and some "drown themselves in abandoned quarries."'

@O_Cycliffe said:

"That's not true. We don't need anything on anyone's heart. We need good governance, which will lead to job creation for the youth who graduate year in, year out."

@JamesMwadeghu said:

"Our youth are our most valuable asset, and we should treat them as such."

@cnngroup said:

"Beautifully said! This is a powerful call to unity, mentorship, and purpose. True change starts when we shift from fighting for space to creating meaningful connections. Let’s raise a generation that listens, learns, leads, and loves Kenya forward!"

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Charlene Ruto shifts blame to millennials

Recently, Charlene appeared to throw blame at the millennials for failing to unite Gen Z and Gen X.

While asking for a generational ceasefire, she said that despite being the older sibling, millennials failed to mediate for peaceful coexistence between the two sides.

Charlene said it was time to embrace a generational cease-fire and adopt other alternatives, such as dialogue and actively lobby for sensible reforms.

Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke