Stop protests, govt working on your grievances, Gen Z told

Led by Public Service Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku, the leaders emphasized the need for unity and dialogue instead of confrontation. Speaking during a church service at Iriamurai Catholic Church, CS Ruku stated that destroying infrastructure and public amenities only sets the country backward and does nothing to address the grievances raised.

He assured Gen Z that the government recognizes their concerns and is working round the clock to respond to them.

“The protests in the city and other parts of the country are not warranted. We have one government, we have one Kenya not a Kenya that belongs to the opposition or government but one Kenya,” Ruku said.

He also took a swipe at leaders he accused of fueling ethnic divisions in the country, warning that such schemes would not succeed.

His sentiments were echoed by Embu Senator Alexander Mundigi, who said previous protests had left many Kenyans counting losses after their businesses and properties were vandalized. He appealed to young people not to fall into the trap of destruction but instead focus on engaging in productive conversations that would shape their future.

Mundigi affirmed that President William Ruto and Deputy President Prof. Kithure Kindiki have a well-structured plan in place to address the needs of young people across the country.

“The Kenya Kwanza government has a clear manifesto which it is systematically implementing. We have already made significant progress. However, when the country embraces protests, the economy suffers, and our collective development is derailed," Mundigi said adding that a lot of property have been destroyed during protests.

He urged the youth not to engage in the upcoming protests, because it will only disrupt the gains the country had made.

Their remarks come amid rising tension across the country, with Gen Z-led demonstrations being organized online, demanding political accountability and reforms. Despite some concessions by the government, organizers insist more needs to be done, especially on youth unemployment, taxation, and governance.