Former American Footballer Rickey Bolden has advised President Ruto to rebuild trust with Gen-Z by fostering love, respect, and meaningful engagement.
Speaking during the National Prayer Service on May 28, 2025, Dr. Rickey Bolden urged leaders to embrace Kenya’s youth, saying that Gen Zs are dying to be loved.
“How do we rebuild relationships, love and respect? That is what your Gen Z is asking. How do we use our brothers in the diaspora, to build and use those relationships in the diaspora to grow Africa and Kenya?” he asked.
Bolden added that the younger generation is eager for a seat at the table, seeking inclusion in decision-making and respect.
Rickey Bolden Issues Pleas to Leaders
Rickey Bolden pleaded with the leaders present at the National Prayer breakfast to treat the younger generation as adults, grown, educated, and deserving of respect and inclusion.
“Gen Zs are not children, they are adults now. They’ve grown, they’ve gone to college, and some of them are smarter than we are,” he added.
Additionally, he urged elders to acknowledge past wrongs and offer a sincere apology to the youth.
“Wouldn’t it be beautiful if the leaders said to Gen Z, ‘We had you arrested. We are sorry’,” he added.
Also Read: Gen Z Protester Narrates Life After Surviving 6 Gun Shot Wounds
National Conversation Report 2025
At the same time, the National Conversation 2025 report revealed that the absence of dialogue further widens the disconnect between young citizens and decision-makers.
According to the report, Gen-Z youth believe they are often spoken about rather than with, a reality that fosters resentment and mistrust.
Additionally, the report showed that unlike previous generations, Gen-Z youth are not afraid of confronting cultural and value-based differences.
“Gen-Z is challenging the traditional norms that were fueled by a lack of trust in the political leaders; they are advocating for civic inclusion and youth representation,” Nandi Hills said.
Also Read: PS Raymond Omollo Reveals the Lessons Govt Picked from Gen Z Protests
Gen Z Calls Fulfilled Promises
The report revealed that despite years of government assurances, promises to remain largely remained unmet.
Moreover, the absence of dialogue has further widened the disconnect between young citizens and decision-makers. They believe they are often spoken about rather than with a reality that fosters resentment and mistrust.
The young generation feel that the government has failed to uphold the ideals of democracy, integrity, and accountability.
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