Ruto to youth: Don’t be used as political tools

President William Ruto has urged young people in the country not to allow themselves to be used by politicians to cause chaos, violence or spread propaganda.

The President said the youth deserve better opportunities and a greater role in nation-building.

Speaking during the Siaya Digital Hubs and Jobs Summit held in Bondo, Ruto emphasised the need for young people to focus on opportunities being created by the government rather than being drawn into divisive politics.

Ruto said for many years young people have been exploited by political actors, often being mobilised to engage in disruptive activities during political contests.

“The young people of our nation have been used as political tools, as goons, as bloggers and as supporters for politicians,” the President said.

He told the youth that they deserve better opportunities and should reject attempts by political leaders to manipulate them for personal or political gain.

“We want to say the young people of our nation deserve better and that is why I want to tell the young people: this is your opportunity, do not accept anything less,” he said.

The Head of State cautioned the youth against participating in violence, heckling leaders or engaging in disruptive behaviour during political activities.

“Do not allow anyone to use you to cause chaos, violence or to heckle, make noise,” Ruto said.

“Just remember you have a family and you also have a life to live.”

He said the government was implementing a range of programmes aimed at creating employment and economic opportunities for young people across the country.

Among the initiatives he highlighted were the affordable housing programme, labour export opportunities and the establishment of digital and ICT hubs designed to equip youth with skills and access to jobs in the digital economy.

“We have interventions that will give opportunities for the young people; we have created opportunities for you in the affordable housing programme, we have export of labour, we have digital and ICT hubs,” he said.

Ruto said the youth represent a key resource that will determine the country’s future development and prosperity.

“The youth should know that they are the asset that will build this nation, the asset that will change our nation,” he said.

“Your energy, talent, knowledge and expertise is what will drive this country to a first world nation if we deploy it appropriately.”

The President said the country’s progress depends on unity and collective effort, urging young people to reject politics that promote division.

“This is our nation and we must build it together,” he said.

“We do not want politics of tribe, marginalisation, discrimination or hatred.”

Instead, Ruto called for cooperation among citizens in order to transform the country and improve economic opportunities.

“We must work together to transform the nation and take this country to Canaan through Singapore,” he said.

The President also acknowledged that for many years the country lacked clear strategies for creating employment opportunities for young people, which contributed to high levels of youth unemployment.

Siaya Senator and ODM party leader Oburu Odinga said the world is advancing through ICT and Kenya will also move in that direction as strong presidential commitment drives digital growth and innovation.

“This path will take Kenya to Canaan through Singapore by positioning ICT as a key pillar of national transformation and opportunity for young people,” Oburu stated.