Justin Muturi reads malice in Ruto’s NYOTA programme ahead of 2027 polls
By Kenneth Mwenda, March 7, 2026Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi launched a strong attack on President William Ruto during a rally on Saturday, March 7, 2026.
Speaking to hundreds of supporters in Mutuati, Igembe North, Meru County, Muturi accused Ruto of using intelligence services to mislead young Kenyans and divert funds from a World Bank-backed youth programme.
The Democratic Party leader and a principal in the United Alternative Government opposition coalition accused the president of putting political tricks ahead of national safety.
“Sasa Kasongo badala ashugulike mambo hiyo ya usalama, ameunda kikundi kinaitwa Coalition of Opposition Youth League,” Muturi said.
Muturi explained that the scheme aims to register young people by promising access to money from the National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement (NYOTA) programme.
“Ambacho ati wanataka kuja kuandikisha nyinyi, akiwadanganya ati iko pesa ya NYOTA,” he added. He claimed that Ruto plans to enrol five million youths through the National Intelligence Service (NIS).
“Anataka kuandikisha vijana millioni tano, kupitia National Intelligence Service (NIS),” Muturi said.
The NYOTA programme
The NYOTA programme, launched by the government with World Bank support, targets 820,000 unemployed youths aged 18 to 29, including those with disabilities up to 35. It offers apprenticeships, business grants, digital skills training, and savings support.
Worth Ksh33 billion over five years, the initiative expands previous efforts like the Kenya Youth Employment and Opportunities Project. Officials from the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Micro and Small Enterprises Authority, and National Social Security Fund implement it across all 47 counties.
Muturi warned international donors of possible misuse.
“Na ndio tunatahadharisha, we want to warn the World Bank, that your programme of National Youth Opportunities Towards Advancement is in danger of being misused by William Ruto, the president of Kenya,” he said.
He called on young people to resist such tactics, describing them as a threat to genuine youth empowerment.
The rally comes amid Muturi’s recent criticisms of the government. In recent weeks, he has condemned election rigging in by-elections, such as in Mbeere North, and demanded transparency from the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission.
Muturi warns of April protests
While in Meru, Muturi also warned of potential nationwide protests in April 2026 if the IEBC does not end its engagement with Smartmatic International Technologies for election technology. He said continued use of the company threatens the integrity of elections and risks undermining public trust.
“The continued engagement of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission with Smartmatic International Technologies for election technology is unacceptable,” Muturi said.
“This is a serious threat to the integrity of our electoral process and risks undermining public confidence in our democracy.”
He added, “If the IEBC does not immediately address these concerns and provide a clear plan for an alternative and transparent electoral system, Kenyans will take to the streets in nationwide protest beginning in April.”