Africa-Press – Kenya. President William Ruto has clapped back at the united opposition’s calls for nationwide protests, accusing the politicians of allegedly attempting to incite young people into chaos.
Speaking on Friday, February 6, during the NYOTA disbursement in Mkomani, Mombasa County, Ruto faulted the opposition leaders for attempting to incite violence for their personal gain.
He claimed that some opposition leaders led by former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua were planning protests by recruiting youths to engage in destructive activities.
“I have heard those on the other side saying they are planning nationwide protests and want to recruit young Kenyans to demonstrate,” Ruto said.
“They intend to cause chaos and destroy property, yet their main agenda is to convince you to vote for them,” he added, warning that such actions could cause immense harm to the country’s economy.
The Head of State argued that the opposition politicians lack a clear development agenda, particularly for young, jobless people in the country.
He challenged them to come up with concrete plans on job creation, economic empowerment, and national growth rather than focusing solely on political rivalry.
According to Ruto, the opposition’s primary goal seems to revolve around removing him from office, without offering alternative solutions to suffering Kenyans.
“They claim their agenda is to unseat William Ruto. That is the only agenda they have,” he said, adding that such an approach does not address the real challenges facing the youth.
Ruto emphasised that young voters are clever and would not be misled by opposition politicians, maintaining that the youth will only support leaders who defend their interests.
“You cannot expect young people to vote for you when you do not have their plight in your plans. They want answers on employment and opportunities, not political noise,” the Head of State noted.
His comments come a week after Gachagua threatened to lead nationwide protests if police officers allegedly involved in the attack at ACK Witima Church in Othaya are not arrested before February 16.
Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi on Friday, January 30, Gachagua pressed the Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja, demanding immediate action against 12 officers.
“We have told the IG that before we come back on the 16th, those members of that unit need to be arrested. After the 16th, we will have nothing else to do but to call for protests in the Republic of Kenya,” Gachagua said.
