The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
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Political leaders are divided over President William Ruto’s public apology to Kenya’s Gen Z, following the 2024 anti-government protests in which the youth clashed with authorities.
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On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, the President extended an olive branch by asking the youth for forgiveness—a move widely seen as strategic as the country heads toward the 2027 general election, where young voters are expected to form the majority.
During a national prayer breakfast at Safari Park Hotel, Ruto stressed the value of national cohesion, saying, “Where there is unity, God commands a blessing.” He addressed the youth directly, saying, “To our children, if we have made any missteps, we apologise.”
Former West Pokot Senator Samwel Poghisio, speaking on Citizen TV earlier this morning, praised the President’s gesture, calling it a sign of humility.
“It takes courage to say sorry publicly. If someone wrongs you, apologizes, and then repeats the same mistake, that would suggest insincerity. But for now, we should give him the benefit of the doubt,” Poghisio said.
In contrast, Makueni Senator Dan Maanzo said words alone are not enough. He urged the President to back his apology with meaningful actions, such as initiating a reconciliation process and compensating victims.
“If the President genuinely regrets what happened, he should visit Kenyatta Hospital, meet the injured youth personally, apologise, and clear their medical bills,” Maanzo said on the same program.
He added that Ruto should take the apology further by visiting not just hospitals but also the families of those who died during the demonstrations.
Meanwhile, Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah dismissed the President’s apology altogether. Posting on X (formerly Twitter), he stated that the youth were unlikely to accept it.
“They expect us to forgive and forget—we are doing neither. The apology is not accepted,” Omtatah wrote.
