Kenya's Ruto lauded for listening to Gen-Z protesters

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Timi Frank, on Friday commended President William Ruto of Kenya for sacking some members of his cabinet following widespread anti-government protests by Gen-Zs.
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In a statement made available to The Guardian, Frank praised Ruto for fulfilling one of the key demands of the protesters, showcasing his willingness to embrace new ideas for Kenya’s progress.

“We commend President Ruto for taking this action in the interests of Kenya. We commend him for listening to the Gen-Z protesters. His decision to sack his ministers is no doubt for the greater good of Kenyans,” Frank said.
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He encouraged Ruto to take further urgent steps to implement other demands of the protesters, stating, “because they mean well for him and his government in particular and Kenyans in general.”

Frank appealed to Ruto to release all arrested protesters currently detained by the police and other security forces and to compensate families whose loved ones were shot dead by security agents and those injured.

He implored Ruto to capitalise on the opportunity provided by the youth upheaval to rebuild and reunite Kenya. “He must realise that listening to the protesters and implementing their demands does not mean he is a weak president,” Frank emphasised.
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Frank, who is also the United Liberation Movement for West Papua’s Ambassador to East Africa and the Middle East, added, “We urge him to bring on board young people that can make an impact in the lives of the ordinary Kenyan in his new cabinet.”

Detained protesters are seen doing push ups during an anti-government demonstration called following nationwide deadly protests over tax hikes and a controversial now-withdrawn tax bill. (Photo by Kabir Dhanji / AFP)

He highlighted the need for other African leaders to emulate Ruto’s actions by always listening to the cries and demands of their people. “We equally pray that President Bola Tinubu’s administration has seen what happened in Kenya and that they are ready to take the steps Ruto has taken by cutting down the present over bloated cost of governance and withdraw their pernicious economic policies or risk the Kenya-style uprising in the country.”

Frank also urged the protesters to see the positive results of their actions as a win-win for all sides, to forgive Ruto for any missteps, and to work with him for a better Kenya. “The young people of Kenya have shown that power truly belongs to the people, not to anybody, or individual.”
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“Listening to the protesters has shown that the voice of the young people counts and that the President is a true leader who is neither weak nor blinded by the allure of power. That the President has harkened to the masses of Kenya who elected him into office shows that he is ready to toe the path of reason and work in the interest of the generality of Kenyans moving forward,” Frank said.

He noted that the protesters acted in the interest and for the progress of Kenya, not to destroy or destabilise the country. Going forward, he urged Ruto and the Kenyan Government to consult widely and consider the best interest of Kenyans before making any decisions that may negatively affect the people.
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