Uhuru Kenyatta’s Jab at Ruto: ‘Young People’s Voices Make Them Panic’

NAIROBI, Kenya – Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has criticized his successor, President William Ruto, over what he perceives as an inability to effectively handle the voices of young people calling for better governance.

Speaking at the wedding of David Kimoi, the son of former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, Uhuru contrasted his own political journey with that of Ruto’s administration, remarking that the current regime becomes uneasy when youth express dissatisfaction.

Uhuru, reflecting on his early days in politics, recalled how the late President Daniel Moi, his mentor, was never rattled by the concerns of young people.

In what appeared to be a veiled jab at Ruto’s leadership, he remarked, “When young people talk, they panic,” implying that the current government lacks the composure to handle youth-led demands for change.

“I tell people that I had a biological father who was a politician who put political genes in my system, and they are still there, but now they are lying low,” Uhuru quipped, before adding, “But I also had a political father, and you know he wasn’t scared of young people like some people around here today.”

In recent weeks, Uhuru has called for a youth-led revolution, emphasizing that the younger generation holds the key to the country’s future and must act as the last line of defense in rescuing the nation.

His remarks have struck a chord with many young people who are disillusioned with the current political landscape.

However, Ruto’s allies have quickly responded to Uhuru’s comments, accusing him of hypocrisy.

They pointed out that during his tenure, Uhuru appointed elderly leaders, such as the 91-year-old Mzee Moody Awori, as chairman of the Sports Fund, and dismissed young people as “thieves.”

Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa, speaking at a fundraiser in Malava Constituency, stated, “During his 10 years in office, he sidelined the youth, yet now he’s pretending to be their champion. That is hypocrisy. Unless he changes his ways, even Jesus will not return!”