Charlene Ruto has blamed millennials for what she termed as ‘the endless and senseless conflict’ between Gen Zs and older Kenyans, particularly in matters of national interest.
Through a statement released on Friday, June 20, the daughter of President William Ruto criticised millennials for failing to serve as the proper go-between that the two generations could use to peacefully coexist.
While calling for a generational ceasefire, Charlene stated that millennials, by falling on either side of the two generations, had a critical role to play in ensuring long-term peace and stability.
“I would partially blame us, millennials, for the endless and senseless conflict between the senior citizens and young Gen Zs,” she stated.
“We, as the older brothers and sisters who understand both generations but have failed to mediate for peaceful coexistence, provide leadership and clarity in tough times, and offer our young people guidance on alternatives that don’t necessarily lead to violent riots that only end up deepening wounds, encouraging radicalisation and, in extreme cases, unfortunate loss of life,” Charlene elaborated.
While reiterating her call for national unity, Charlene chastised vices such as violence, revenge, rage-hunting, cancel culture, hooliganism, cyberbullying, and violent riots, which she noted would erode national culture, radicalise youth, and induce dangerous instability.
By incorporating civil and objective-driven alternatives, the President’s daughter opined that this would pave the way for a better relationship between all generations in the national circle.
To that effect, Charlene proposed inter-generational dialogues, policy recommendations, and actively lobbying for sensible reforms as a way forward.
Her comments come amidst the patterns observed between Gen Zs, who have recently taken the mantle of advocating for national reforms, albeit in a more direct and somewhat radical manner, and older generations who have always exercised caution and restraint.
This was at play during last year’s anti-Finance Bill protests where Gen Zs were on the forefront. At the height of the protests, the Gen Zs, backed by their ‘organic’ nature, rallied through the mantra of being ‘leaderless, tribeless and fearless.’
Meanwhile, the older generations were against taking to the streets, urging the youth to seek alternative measures such as dialogue to air out their grievances.
The millennials, on the other hand, were caught in between, with some joining the protests either through taking to the streets or using digital means, while others steered clear of engaging in any form of resistance.
Born roughly between 1997 and 2012, Gen Zs are characterised by their digital fluency and global interconnectedness. Millennials, also known as Generation Y, were born between 1981 and 1996. They are the first generation to grow up with widespread access to the internet.
Older generations include Generation X, born between 1965 and 1980, and the Baby Boomers, born between 1946 and 1964.
