Matiang’i blames Ruto for failing to challenge Tanzanian President Suluhu over Gen Z remarks

Speaking during a student leaders’ forum held at the Jubilee Party headquarters, Matiang’i said the President’s silence amounted to a failure to defend the Constitution and protect the rights of Kenyans.

Matiang’i argued that Ruto missed a critical opportunity to affirm Kenya’s democratic values after President Samia called for tough action against dissenting voices in the two countries.

“If I was President Ruto, I would have used that opportunity to stamp our democratic credentials and educate the President of Tanzania on our attitude towards young people,” stated Matiang’i.

“Our young people are the mainstay of our country today and tomorrow. I cannot sit in an audience where someone says we should punish our young people,” he added.

The remarks come in the wake of election-related violence in Tanzania during and after last year’s polls, as well as the 2024 Gen Z protests in Kenya.

Matiang’i maintained that criticism of government should not be criminalised in a democracy, insisting that young people have a right to express themselves.

“What crime did Gen Z commit? We expect them to express themselves,” stated Matiang’i.

“We must live with the reality that times have changed. Governance is operating in a different context, and democracy means there will always be people who think differently from us,” he added.

Matiang’i also revealed that consultations are still ongoing within the Jubilee Party and the wider opposition coalition regarding the upcoming Ol Kalou constituency by-election.

“It is very disrespectful for some institutions to discuss matters publicly before internal processes are complete,” stated Matiang’i.

The former Interior CS was speaking during a student leaders’ convention at the Jubilee Party headquarters, where he also defended former President Uhuru Kenyatta following criticism from leaders allied to the government over his endorsement of the Jubilee presidential aspirant.