Kalonzo, Riggy G still clueless on youth jobs after decades in power – Rotich

Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley K. Rotich has launched a scathing attack on Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka and former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing them of lacking any meaningful plan to address youth unemployment, despite decades in leadership.

Speaking during the 9th Edition of the Kaptagat Integrated Conservation and Livelihood Improvement Program on Saturday, July 12, 2025, Rotich dismissed recent opposition commentary on youth empowerment as insincere and politically opportunistic.

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“Kuna mtu kama Kalonzo, kuna mtu kama Riggy G,” Rotich said. “Tangu 1965 Sessional Paper One, Kalonzo na Riggy G, hao wote have never written a single blueprint on youth employment. Hakuna siku wamewai ongelea youth employment.”

Translation: “There’s someone like Kalonzo, someone like Riggy G, since the 1965 Sessional Paper No. 1, neither Kalonzo nor Riggy G has ever written a single blueprint on youth employment. Not once have they ever spoken seriously about youth employment.”

He questioned how leaders like Kalonzo could suddenly claim to champion youth empowerment in 2025, despite being in politics for decades.

“Kalonzo, mimi nikizaliwa alikuwa Parliament. Saa hii anazungumza kuhusu youth empowerment 2025, 40 years after being in Parliament,” Rotich noted.

Translation: “Kalonzo was already in Parliament when I was born. Now he’s talking about youth empowerment in 2025, 40 years after being in Parliament.”

His remarks appeared to counter Kalonzo’s recent claims that Kenya’s Gen Z movement had inspired similar youth-led protests abroad, especially in Bangladesh. Kalonzo had praised the Kenyan youth for sparking a global awakening and accused the government of deploying goons to discredit the protests.

Rotich warns political opportunism

Rotich dismissed these statements as attempts by career politicians to align themselves with a movement they never supported nor understood. He urged President William Ruto not to shy away from firm action against those destroying public and private property.

“Your Excellency, usiogope mtu anaharibu biashara ya watu. Culture of impunity should not be allowed in Kenya,” Rotich said. “Mwenye anaharibu vitu vya watu awekewe ndani.”

Translation: “Your Excellency, do not fear someone who is destroying people’s businesses. The culture of impunity should not be allowed in Kenya. Anyone who damages other people’s property should be jailed.”

The Gen Z protests, which began in 2024 over the Finance Bill, have grown into a nationwide call for systemic change and youth inclusion in leadership. While some opposition leaders have tried to align themselves with the movement, critics like Rotich argue that they lack a track record to support such claims.