President William Ruto has addressed the controversy surrounding Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah’s comments about Gen Z protesters. Speaking during a youth engagement on X Space, the President revealed that he personally corrected Ichung’wah over his remarks.
Ichung’wah had earlier suggested that Gen Z protesters are elitist, claiming they use iPhones and online taxis to attend demonstrations. “After Kimani Ichung’wah made that statement, I called him, and the next day he corrected his comments,” Ruto said.
The President explained that part of his role as Head of State involves mentoring young politicians who may make mistakes or display arrogance due to inexperience. “I have a duty to mentor; they will make mistakes and exhibit some arrogance, but it’s partly because of inexperience,” Ruto added. “I sometimes want to take responsibility.”
Ichung’wah’s comments had criticized the youthful protesters for their perceived privilege, implying that their use of iPhones and Ubers made them out of touch with the struggles of ordinary Kenyans.
Following the backlash, Ichung’wah apologized and acknowledged the Gen Z protesters for stepping forward as a unified, non-ethnic force.
