Ruto apologises to Gen Zs over last year’s deadly crackdown

President William Ruto has apologised to Gen Zs over last year’s security crackdown that show over 60 people killed after they breached a security cordon and stormed into Parliament to protest the passing of the contentious Finance Bill 2024, which he later declined to assent to.

Several others were also also abducted in subsequent months with some being found dead while at least one is still missing.

Speaking during the National Prayer Breakfast at Safari Park Hotel, Ruto heeded a call from the chief guest, motivational speaker and former NFL player Dr Rickey Bolden told leaders to respect Gen-Zs and apologise to them for any missteps made by his government.

“Gen Zs want a seat at the table. They want to be respected. Some of our Gen Z children are wiser than we are as parents. I have learnt to treat my own Gen Z as adults. I consult with them… Wouldn’t it be beautiful if the leaders said to the Gen Z ‘We had you arrested, and we are sorry’,” adding that he respects his children, who are Gen Zs.

This year’s National Prayer Breakfast was held under the theme, “Rise and Rebuild”, drawn from Nehemiah 2:18 which calls upon people to reflect deeply on individual and collective journeys, acknowledging their struggles, learning from their past and finding strength in their shared resilience.

When he rose to speak, Ruto said: “To our children, if there has been any misstep, we apologise.”

The President also apologised to neighbouring countries, including Tanzania and Uganda, which have been under fire from Kenyans over the treatment of human rights activists and opposition leaders.

Speaking earlier, Deputy President Kindiki Kithure urged the youth to respect authority and be open to mentorship and guidance.

“As elders, we need to treat our children with more respect and where we go wrong, there is no harm in acknowledging it. However, we urge our young people to respect authority and be open to mentorship and guidance,” he said.