Advice Mundalo Defends Ruto's Apology to Gen Z amid Criticism: "Alionyesha Goodwill"

• Jubilee Party national youth chair Advice Mundalo defended President William Ruto’s apology to Gen Z, saying it showed goodwill and sincerity
• Ruto, during the National Prayer Breakfast, asked for forgiveness from Kenyan youth over the events of June 25, 2024, where several protesters were allegedly abducted, tortured, or killed
• Critics, including prominent political leaders, questioned the authenticity of the apology, but Mundalo countered that public apologies by leaders are rare and should be respected

TUKO.co.ke journalist Harry Ivan Mboto has over three years of experience reporting on politics and current affairs in Kenya

Jubilee Party national youth chair Advice Mundalo has come out in defence of President William Ruto’s apology to Gen Z, describing it as a bold and sincere gesture of goodwill.

The president extended the apology during the National Prayer Breakfast held last week, seeking forgiveness from Kenyan youth over the chaotic events witnessed during the anti-Finance Bill protests on June 25, 2024.

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The demonstrations, largely led by Gen Z, were marked by allegations of abduction, torture and even deaths of some participants.

While Ruto expressed regret, his exact words, "if we did anything that hurt you", sparked backlash from critics who accused him of lacking empathy and delivering an insincere message.

What did Advice Mundalo say over Ruto's apology?

Mundalo, however, dismissed the criticism, stating that the president’s willingness to apologise publicly should not be taken lightly.

"Apologising in public is never easy, especially for someone in high office. The moment a person says ‘I'm sorry’, we should give them the benefit of the doubt," Mundalo said.

"The president made the statement during the National Prayer Breakfast, an annual event. A lot had happened since the protests, and the first person to say sorry deserves to be recognised for their goodwill," he added.

He further criticised those dismissing the apology, urging them to engage in self-reflection before pointing fingers.

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"One of the president's critics recently warned that the 2027 clashes would make 2007 look like a Christmas party. He has refused to apologise for that comment but still finds the audacity to criticise the president’s tone. The same individual also threatened musicians who met the deputy president to discuss their concerns and called pro-government elected leaders ‘fools’. He has not apologised to anyone," he said.

What did the opposition say about Ruto's apology?

The opposition, however, dismissed Ruto’s apology, branding it as little more than "political theatre."

In a joint statement seen by TUKO.co.ke, the opposition parties acknowledged the shift in tone but insisted that mere words were not enough.

They emphasised that genuine remorse must be matched by concrete actions to restore public trust.

The opposition further pointed to what they described as a pattern of abductions, torture, and politically motivated prosecutions aimed at weakening dissent.

Among those who have publicly questioned Ruto’s apology are former deputy president Rigathi Gachagua, Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, DAP-K boss Eugene Wamalwa, and Martha Karua of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP).

Proofreading by Jackson Otukho, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.

Source: TUKO.co.ke