South Mugirango MP Silvanus Osoro faced a challenging crowd after suggesting that Gen Z should show respect to President William Ruto due to his status. In a post on his X account, Osoro, a staunch supporter of Ruto, criticized young Kenyans for their irreverent attitude towards the President, calling for more ‘morality’ in how they express themselves.
Osoro questioned why a 20-year-old would approach the President as if he were their peer, arguing that such disrespect was no different from the issues they were protesting against.
He wrote, “We should focus more on MORALITY lessons in our homes, churches, and schools. You can disagree with a President, but can’t you at least address him by his office? Yaani, at 20, unaona rais kama rika yako juu ya kizungu? Any difference with what you claim to fight against?”
However, his comments were met with ridicule from Kenyans, many of whom reiterated their stance against the President.
Activist Kasmuel Mcoure, who may have been the target of Osoro’s tweet, responded by reminding the lawmaker that ordinary Kenyans also deserve respect.
“Sasa unataka kulia? Mkiiba pesa yetu na kutuua huwa mnatuheshimu? Msisahau nyinyi ni wajumbe tu. Ghasia!” he wrote.
Another person commented, “These children learn from you. When you abuse each other during campaigns and fight in front of them, what lessons are you teaching them? They are learning from the best… Mujiangalie before you pass blame. Nyani haoni?”
Charity Nzomo added, “Look at the America you like to benchmark with. President Biden is insulted daily even by top TV hosts. Trump is insulted daily on prime-time television. Ruto is not a monarch, and we are not in the 1800s! If the heat is too much, get out of the kitchen!”
Other Kenyans reminded the MP about the reciprocal nature of respect, pointing out that the President would receive more respect if he showed it to his citizens.
Sam Nzioki commented, “When you steal and plunder, do you respect us? When you pass punitive laws, do you respect us? When you overtax poor Kenyans, do you respect us? When you divert public money into your accounts, do you respect us? When you kill demonstrators, do you respect us? Respect is two-way, My Fren’!”
When someone suggested that the President should step down, Osoro responded assertively, “He is here till 2027. Mark this… don’t waste breath and time. Tumewaruhusu sana mkadhani you can push anything…”
In the midst of anti-government demonstrations, fearless Kenyans have directly addressed the President, often using derogatory terms and singing mocking tunes that challenge his authority.
