If You Truly Love Kenya Don't Burn Your Country, William Ruto Tells Gen Z After Deadly Protests
- President William Ruto appealed to protesting youth to stop destroying the country under the guise of activism, urging them to seek solutions instead
- He acknowledged hearing their concerns, love for Kenya, hatred of leaders, and demands for his resignation, but questioned their methods
- Ruto warned that protests driven by resentment and social media clout could spiral and harm the nation’s fragile economy and cohesion
Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.
Nairobi - President William Ruto has issued an appeal to young Kenyans protesting against his administration, urging them to stop destroying the country in the name of activism.
Source: Getty Images
Speaking on Friday, June 27, amid mounting tension after a wave of deadly demonstrations, Ruto addressed what he described as misplaced anger.
In his remarks, the president said he had listened closely to the messages behind the protests, particularly from Gen Z demonstrators, who have been vocal online and on the streets.
According to Ruto, their sentiments have largely revolved around three themes, love for Kenya, hatred for political leaders, and a demand for his resignation.
"What I'm asking is that, because I have tried to listen to the people organising the demonstrations and they have said three things. They have said they love Kenya, but they hate the leaders. And they have talked something about one term and they have said Ruto must go. Those are the things I have listened to, you know," he stated.
However, Ruto questioned the logic of expressing love for the country through actions that contribute to its destruction.
Why did Ruto warn Gen Z over protests?
He appealed to the youth to reflect deeply on the consequences of their actions, warning that protests rooted in resentment and destruction could spiral beyond control.
"Therefore, I want to ask them this, because if you truly love Kenya, as you say, don't burn your country. If you are telling us you truly love this nation, don't be part of the problem. Figure out how we are going to get solutions," Ruto said.
The head of state cautioned against romanticising street protests and condemned the recent trend of turning demonstrations into opportunities for social media clout.
"We must be candid with ourselves as a nation, because what is going on in these streets, people think it is fashionable. We go there, take selfies, post on social media. I want to tell you, if we continue that way, they will finish with the small enterprises in downtown, they will move, they will be in Kileleshwa, they will be in Lavington, they will be in Karen, they will be everywhere, and shortly we will not have a country," the president warned.
Source: Facebook
Ruto also addressed the renewed debate around presidential term limits, which has resurfaced amid calls for his early exit.
He reminded the public that the Kenyan Constitution already provides a clear framework on presidential tenure.
"If it is a question of terms, the constitution already has sorted out and settled the issue of terms. Terms are limited. You can either be one term, you can be two terms, maximum. You cannot have more than that. So, what is this craze about terms? The constitution already provides for those terms," he added.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
