Former Limuru MP Peter Mwathi has stated that President William Ruto should issue an apology to the nation before initiating any dialogue.
Mwathi emphasized that as the head of state, Ruto should demonstrate care and empathy towards the citizens. The President has observed demonstrations by Gen Z youths, resulting in fatalities and injuries, prompting calls from various quarters including politicians, civil society, and religious leaders for Ruto to heed the concerns of Kenyans.
The protests by Gen Z youths encompass grievances such as unemployment, corruption, the appointment of Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission commissioners, high living costs, the withdrawn Finance Bill of 2024, and allegations of excessive force by police in quelling unrest.
“The President has witnessed the genesis of the Gen z protests. Their calls, how some died and others were injured by bullets. He must also have heard the civil society, the media, religious leaders, political class and other people of good will urging him to address the plight of the youths,” Mwathi said.
He added that the move by the opposition to withdraw from the national dialogue as well as the Gen Z youths says something is still not addressed.
Mwathi spoke in Limuru on Tuesday when he asked the residents to pray for peace since people need to go on with their lives.
The former legislator said since nearly all the Presidents tactics to control the country were not bearing fruit, he should change the approach to address Kenyans by apologising for everything wrong that has happened.
“Ruto needs to take a bold step and apologise to Kenyans fro everything he is being accused of and everything else that has happened in this country including the deaths of people,” Mwathi said.
“All of these things have happened when he is the President. The Head of State needs to cool everything down.”
Mwathi, who was chairman of the National Security Committee of the National Assembly, contested the Limuru MP seat on a Jubilee Party ticket but lost to the incumbent, John Kiragu, of UDA.
The former MP said if the President would not move fast to stabilise the country, members of the public might lose trust him.
“It is very sad when people lose trust in the sitting President. He needs to move very fast and address the issues hurting the country. He is the symbol of the national unity. His position and seat are very important and should be respected,” Mwathi said.
He asked Ruto to remain a man of his word when he asks government officials and leaders not to attend fund raisings, adding that the President attended a fund raiser on Sunday.
