CS Ruku to youths: Embrace dialogue over destructive protests

Public Service, Human Capital Development and Special Programmes, Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku/X

Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, has urged Kenyan youths to embrace dialogue and constructive engagement over destructive protests

Speaking at Maria Consolata Iriamurai Parish in Mbeere South and Mung'ethu during an interdenominational service, Ruku said that while there exist challenges, protests that turn violent and lead to destruction cannot be the solution.

He stated that the government led by President William Ruto understands the issues of the youth and is working hard to resolve them.  

“To the young people of the republic of Kenya, our young sons and daughters, we love you, we are your fathers, we have only one country and there are problems in our country. These problems can only be solved if we sit down together and talk. Destruction of property and infrastructure cannot help us solve the problems affecting our sons and daughters.

“Our strength is when we are together. This government and the president love you. We are working hard every single day to resolve the problems of young people,” Ruku said.

The Cabinet Secretary emphasized the importance of national unity and peaceful coexistence.

His remarks come ahead of the expected protests on Wednesday marking the anniversary of the June 25 Gen Z protests last year.

Ruku also warned the opposition against attempts to divide the country along tribal lines in the midst of the planned Gen Z protests.

He insisted that Kenyans of goodwill will firmly reject any such attempts.

“We have seen them trying to bring chaos. We want peace not the violence we saw in Meru,” he said.

The Public Service CS reiterated that there is only one Kenya for all be it that one is in the opposition or in government.

He said the government is committed to better the lives of all Kenyans.

“We only have government and one Kenya. Hatuna Kenya ya opposition na ya serikali. The government of Kenya led by President William Ruto is committed to work on each and every corner of the republic of Kenya.”

Ruku noted that for many years, the Mbeere community had been marginalized by previous regimes but the Kenya Kwanza administration has made significant strides to uplift the region.

He noted some of the interventions by government in the region including the ongoing Sh2 billion water supply project and increased infrastructure development, such as the upgrading of the Kiritiri-Kiambere road to bitumen standards and the Kamburu bulk water project.