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President William Ruto has promised a dialogue between his government and the youth, who have risen up to oppose the Finance Bill 2024.

This is Ruto’s first reaction to the calls by the youth to have their issues heard, especially on the controversial bill that is currently a subject of debate in the National Assembly.

“Our young people have stepped forward to engage in the affairs of their country. They have done a democratic duty to stand and be recognized. I want to tell you that we are going to have a conversation with you so that we can identify your issues and we can work together as a nation,” Ruto assured during a church service he attended in Nyahururu, Laikipia County, on Sunday, June 23, 2024.

Ruto agrees with Ole Sapit

Ruto agreed with what the Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit said regarding a dialogue to resolve the impasse.

Sapit, who addressed the church attendance before Ruto, said the youth ought to be listened to in order not to escalate the uprising against the government being witnessed.

“Nataka nikubaliane kuhusu yale yamesemwa kuhusu vijana wetu. Hawa vijana ni watoto wetu, tumewazaa na ni watoto wetu ambaye tumewalea,” the President said.

“Mimi nataka niwaambie hawa vijana wetu mimi nawapongeza kwa kujitokeza na kushughulika na mambo ya taifa letu la Kenya.”

Ole Sapit’s stance

The archbishop told President Ruto that the moment the country is in demands listening and not so much talking.

“The Gen Zs have no tribe, no religion, no class, but they are our children. They are not enemies of the nation; they are our children. We love you, and we welcome you. We want to discern what you are saying, and we pray that the Lord will give us a moment of listening to one another and understanding,” Ole Sapit emphasised.

“So, to you, the excellency and the leadership of this country, this is a discerning moment – not so much talking, but I think listening to one another and reaching out to one another.”

With President Ruto promising dialogue, political observers will be keen to see whether the youth will de-escalate their opposition to the Finance Bill 2024.

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