Ruto cautions leaders against exploiting youth for political gain

President William Ruto has warned against the exploitation of Kenyan youth by political leaders, calling on young people not to be used for criminal activities or political gain.

Speaking on Wednesday at State House, Ruto expressed deep concern over reports of property destruction, looting, and loss of life, blaming unnamed political leaders for inciting unrest.

"It breaks my heart when people who have no plan for the young people of our nation take them to the streets, abuse them in the streets, misuse them in the streets, and they end up with mayhem, rape, destruction of property, destruction of businesses," Ruto said.

The President accused certain leaders of speaking about Gen Z only to exploit them for political purposes, without offering any tangible plans for their future.

"They talk about Gen Z because they want to use them politically. I want to tell those people who have no plan, shame on them."

He further linked the chaos witnessed during the protests to those very politicians, asserting that the youth were manipulated into engaging in violent and destructive acts.

"Businesses have been burnt down, properties have been destroyed, young people have lost their lives, others have injuries—and all this is because there are people who have no plan. They cannot tell the young people what they should be doing," he said.

President Ruto rejected the narrative that there are no opportunities for youth in the country, insisting that young Kenyans can improve their lives through the existing avenues.

"There are opportunities for you to make a difference in your life. Don't accept to be taken advantage of by people who have no plans for your lives," he said.

His remarks come at a time when protests, largely involving young people, have gripped parts of the country, prompting reactions from other national leaders.

Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku also weighed in, urging political leaders and clergy to stop inciting youth for their own ends.

“Those who are inciting the young people through tribal groupings and balkanization, Kenya is one nation, one people, and one flag,” Ruku stated.

He emphasized unity and cautioned against dividing youth along ethnic lines, warning that such actions threaten national cohesion.