For the first time since a spate of protests erupted across the country last week, President William Ruto praised the young Kenyans, majorly Gen Zs, for partaking in a democratic process.
Addressing a church service in Nyahururu on Sunday, the Head of State extended an invitation to the protesters for a conversation centering around the Finance Bill.
"I want to congratulate our young people for coming out and being concerned about Kenya's affairs. They have done a democratic duty to stand and be recognised. We are going to have a conversation with the youth. We are going to engage them. They have stood out and have been recognised," Ruto stated.
“I am very proud of our young people. They have stepped forward, tribeless and peaceful."
Prior to the Head of State's address over the protests, a number of leaders in the ruling party had praised the young protesters as making an effort to ask for inclusion in the country's democratic process.
Kimani Ichung'wah
National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah, while addressing a congregation on Sunday, hailed Gen Z and millennials as protesters promoting a forward-thinking approach.
He further noted that the recently witnessed protests had transcended ethnic and tribal barriers that had for years divided the country.
"The emergence of Gen Z as a force in advocacy and governance has shown a remarkable shift towards unity and inclusivity, transcending ethnic and tribal barriers that have long divided us. This new generation exemplifies a forward-thinking approach, prioritizing common goals and shared values over narrow, divisive identities," Ichung'wah stated.
"It is disappointing to witness some national leaders clinging to outdated notions of tribalism and ethnic division. Our Gen Z clearly demonstrates a more progressive vision for our nation's future, setting an example that all leaders should aspire to follow."
Oscar Sudi
Kapseret MP Oscar Sudi, on the other hand, noted that he was impressed by the young generation's determination.
He explained that as a result, he held discussions with President William Ruto to pay attention to their concerns and include them in the Finance Bill and budget-making processes.
"I laud the determination and zeal demonstrated by the youthful Gen-Z. Going forward, the current leadership must incorporate their concerns in making major decisions. This is truly an awakening moment for our youth in their journey to self-realisation," he stated.
"I laud the determination demonstrated by Gen-Z. Going forward, the current leadership must incorporate their concerns in making major decisions. We must listen to them. I spoke to Ruto and we agreed that we will include Gen Z in the planning of next year's Finance Bill."
Gathoni Wamuchomba
Gathunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba, who was elected on a UDA ticket, shook the political landscape by rejecting the Finance Bill during the Thursday voting process.
Later, she voiced her support for the protests noting that parents should be proud of their children who are fighting for change instead of abusing drugs.
"Upper-class Parents should thank God that their children are on the streets not drunk and disorderly but sober not only from drugs but from our own mess!" She stated.
George Koimburi
Juja MP George Koimburi, also a member of UDA, vowed to vote no in the upcoming second and third readings of the Finance Bill 2024.
Addressing a congregation including Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Friday, Koimburi noted that the current administration had won elections on a manifesto including the construction of affordable housing. He was however concerned that the project was yet to kick off in his county.
"Your Excellency (Rigathi Gachagua), we love you so much and as Juja MP with supporters behind him, I say that the issue of burdening Kenyans has gone overboard in Kenya. Since next week we shall be going for the committee of the whole, my stance remains the same rejecting extensively taxing Kenyans. They have suffered enough," he stated.
David Ndii
David Ndii, who is President William Ruto’s chief economic advisor, on Sunday announced that he supports Gen Z protests 100 per cent.
Ndii had earlier criticised the demonstrations stating that they were being conducted by children of the wealthy whose parents had earlier plundered the country.
“We are with them 100 per cent. They do not want the politics of kingpins and tribes. We are with them 100 per cent,” he stated.
“They do not want to be used by demagogues and sore losers with axes to grind. We are with them 100 per cent," he added noting that the Gen Z protestors had enough support from the reformists in Ruto’s administration.
