Protesters challenge President Ruto at Nyahururu church event

The President said he will seek to have a conversation with members of Generation Z, who are leading the demonstrations.

In a clear sign of the escalating youth revolt, young protesters chanted anti-Finance Bill 2024 slogans and sang songs outside the venue after being denied access to the church service. 

There was a heavy police presence in the town, with all congregants subjected to mandatory security checks by police, including the Anti-Terror Police Unit.

Protesters took positions outside ACK Nyahururu Diocese Church in Nyahururu, Laikipia County, the venue of a consecration ceremony attended by President William Ruto. Within the President’s earshot, the protesters made good on their vow to take their rejection of Finance Bill 2024 to the venue of the presidential function.

 They shouted, chanted, and sang, aiming their message at the head of state.

Although they were denied access to the main grounds, where President William Ruto was witnessing the Consecration and Enthronement of Rev. Maj. Samson Mburu Gachathi as the 3rd Bishop of ACK Nyahururu Diocese, their voices were clearly heard.

"These young people are our children. I commend them for coming out... We are going to have a conversation with you," President Ruto said.

"Let us listen to Gen Z," added Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit of the ACK.

"My son was also in the demos," Sapit noted during the service.

The President commended the protesters for their conduct during the countrywide demos that kicked off last week.

"I am very proud of our youth... they have stepped forward tribeless, they have stepped out peaceful. We are concerned about their issues," President Ruto stated.

During the service, all MPs were denied a chance to speak, with the church only allowing the President and his deputy to address the congregation.

"Only the President and I are allowed to speak; the rest of you will just stand," Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua remarked.

Earlier, all congregants attending the church service were subjected to a mandatory search, as the police, both uniformed and in civilian attire, left nothing to chance with concerns over the "Occupy Nyahururu" demos. 

From as early as 7 am, long queues were witnessed, with makeshift tents erected at security checkpoints manned by the police.

 All attendees were required to pass through body scanners, and all bags were thoroughly checked.

 The exercise also involved police sniffer dogs, with plainclothes officers from the Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) on site.

The inspection extended beyond the venue, as police erected roadblocks on all major roads leading into Nyahururu, checking all vehicles entering the town to ensure no weapons or anti-Finance Bill placards entered the area.