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.

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