Give young people opportunities, don't incite them to violence: Ruto tells leaders

Speaking during a church service in Bungoma County on Sunday, President Ruto noted that leaders inciting young Kenyans to cause mayhem are responsible for the country's slow progress and should instead encourage them to uptake the opportunities provided by his government.

"These young people of Kenya don't need violence, they don't need confrontation. They want opportunities, jobs to engage in business [and] that is what we should be doing as leaders instead of inciting them to violence, destruction and many things that will not solve their problem and the problem in the country," said Ruto.

Ruto maintained that he is focused on providing more avenues for job creation and employment opportunities, urging the youth to enroll in the already available programmes.

"There are opportunities in labour migration, ICT hubs, housing, and agriculture. So plan yourself accordingly with these opportunities and your life will progress," he noted.

The Head of State further dismissed censures from his political nemesis, asserting that he will now tire from working on transforming the country.

"Do not worry about those hurling insults because they do not have an alternative plan. But Kenya will move forward. You can take that assurance from me," he said.

This comes amid political tensions in the nation as Ruto has been bashed by his critics, among them his former Deputy Rigathi Gachagua, over what they term as frail leadership.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also rallied the Kenyan youth against relenting in their fight for democracy and better governance.

Speaking during the burial service of his cousin Kibathi Muigai at Nairobi Chapel, the retired President took issue with the younger Kenyan generation for presumably displaying fear in addressing society's ills and defending their rights.

Kenyatta underscored that it was wrong for citizens to remain mum as their resources are mismanaged and bad leadership prevails.

“The problem with people nowadays is that everybody is scared; sijui mmeogopeshwa, even you Ngina rudi uingie hii. Gen Zs, you are the story of the future,” he said.

“Fight for your rights, sio kukaa hapo mali yenu ichukuliwe na nyinyi mmeitolea jasho! Msikubali, pambaneni muhakikishe mmepata haki yenu, mnaskia? Sio kukaakaa hapo tu. Hakuna kitu kinadumu.(do not just sit there while the wealth you have toiled for is being taken. Do not allow it, fight and make sure you get what is rightfully yours, you hear me? Nothing lasts forever)”

Ruto has maintained that his critics will not stop him from ensuring that his legacy projects succeed.