President William Ruto has responded to the ongoing protests led by Generation Z against his administration for the first time. During a recent event, the President acknowledged the protests and expressed his intention to engage in dialogue with the youth demonstrators.
The protests, marked by chants against the Finance Bill 2024 and singing, occurred outside the ACK Nyahururu Diocese Church in Nyahururu, Laikipia County.
The demonstrators had gathered during a consecration ceremony attended by President Ruto. Despite heavy police presence and mandatory security checks for all attendees, including by the Anti-Terror Police Unit, protesters positioned themselves outside the church grounds.
Although they were unable to access the main event area where President Ruto was present for the consecration of Rev. Maj. Samson Mburu Gachathi as the 3rd Bishop of ACK Nyahururu Diocese, the protesters’ voices were loud and clear. They used the opportunity to convey their opposition to the Finance Bill directly to the head of state.
“These young people are our children. I commend them for coming out… We are going to
have a conversation with you,” President Ruto said.
“Let us listen to Gen Z,” added Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit of the ACK.
“My son was also in the demos,” Sapit noted during the service.
The President commended the protesters for their conduct during the countrywide demos that kicked off last week.
“I am very proud of our youth… they have stepped forward tribeless, they have stepped out peaceful. We are concerned about their issues,” President Ruto stated.
During the church service in Nyahururu, all Members of Parliament were denied an opportunity to speak, with only President William Ruto and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua allowed to address the congregation.
Deputy President Gachagua emphasized this restriction, stating, “Only the President and I are allowed to speak; the rest of you will just stand.”
Security measures were stringent throughout the event due to concerns over potential disruptions from the “Occupy Nyahururu” protests. Starting early in the morning at 7 am, long queues formed at security checkpoints with makeshift tents, manned by both uniformed and plainclothes police officers.
Attendees underwent mandatory body scans, and all bags were thoroughly inspected. Additionally, police deployed sniffer dogs and had officers from the Anti-Terror Police Unit (ATPU) present.
The security checks were not limited to the church venue but also extended to roadblocks set up on major roads leading into Nyahururu. Police ensured that all vehicles entering the town were scrutinized to prevent the entry of weapons or anti-Finance Bill materials.
