President William Ruto has hit out at Gen Z demonstrators and his critics who have taken to the streets over unemployment, saying enough is enough.
Ruto while speaking during the inspection of a police housing project in Dagoretti North on Wednesday July 9, said Kenya is a democratic nation.
He emphasized that leadership will not change through violence and such actions will not be tolerated here. “That will not happen in this country,” he said.
“There are people inciting young people to destroy property and burn businesses, claiming it’s because they don’t have jobs,” Ruto said. “Let me ask—if a supermarket is burned down, will that create jobs?”
“We will not allow our country to be destroyed by retrogressive elements that are seeking shortcuts to rise to power. Enough is enough!”
The Head of State went on to call out Kenyans who have attacked police stations across the country and vandalized property, stating that such actions amount to a declaration of war. He stated that these people should be shot on the leg.
“To those leaders sponsoring violence, we are coming for you. Anyone who attacks a police officer or a police station will face the full force of the law. This is a declaration of war against lawlessness. I will not hesitate to protect the lives and property of our citizens.”
“Anyone who attempts to destroy or burn businesses should be shot in the leg to stop them.”
Enough is Enough- Ruto Declares War
He also dismissed the notion that the unemployment crisis began under his administration.
“There are people trying to mislead me into believing that all young people had jobs before I became President,” Ruto said. “Are you telling me that this issue of unemployment started with Ruto? This is a problem that has been around for a long time. Let’s be honest with each other.”
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The President insisted that unemployment is a historical challenge that predates his term in office.
Ruto said he has played a role in ensuring that youth are employed through initiatives such as affordable housing and digital jobs.
“I have already outlined what I have done to help young people get jobs. Now I want others to tell us what previous governments did,” he stated.
Ruto on Unemployment
The Head of Stated said the problem of unemployment exists because, for a long time, Kenya did not have a clear government plan.
“That’s why we ended up with a huge number of unemployed youth — because there was never a comprehensive strategy to ensure young people have jobs, the way we have today,” he added.
Also Read: Ruto Orders Police to Shoot Kenyans in the Leg
He went on to say that Kenyans should not deceive themselves, and his critics should stop inciting the youth over the issue of unemployment, as it cannot be resolved in a single day.
The President went on to condemn his critics he claims are inciting violence and threatening to disrupt the country’s democratic process ahead of the 2027 elections. He accused them of spreading fear and plotting to overthrow the government through chaos and unrest.
“These leaders have run out of ideas — they’re going around town saying there will be no elections in 2027,” Ruto said. “They claim they want to cause chaos, protests, and bloodshed in Kenya so they can overthrow the government. Let them try, and they’ll realise they have no idea what they’re getting into.”
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