Ruto urges Gen Zs not to listen to leaders without vision
By Faith Lagat, July 10, 2025President William Ruto has urged the youth to resist being used by leaders he described as having no vision for the country, particularly in the wake of recent unrest linked to political exploitation.
Speaking during an engagement with Nairobi United FC at State House, Nairobi, Ruto took the opportunity to address Kenya’s youth, urging them to desist from those people and leaders who brainwash them and use them for their political gains.
“It breaks my heart when people who have no plans for the young people of our nation take them to the streets, abuse them, misuse them, and we end up with mayhem, rape, and destruction of property and businesses because there are people who have no vision for our youths,” Ruto said.
“They have no credible plan; they talk about Gen Z because they want to use them politically.
“I want to tell those people who have no plan for the youth, shame on you. They should be ashamed of themselves for taking advantage of our young generation, and now our country has a plot; we have death tolls rising and loss of business.
“I want to tell the youth of our nation, do not be used by these visionless people and leaders,” he added.
He continued emphasising their critical role in national development and the government’s commitment to creating opportunities for them.
“We as Kenya have the best work human capital,” Ruto said. “Kenyans are globally recognised—disciplined, hard-working, and able to perform with minimal supervision.” He noted that over the past two years, his administration has facilitated the placement of 400,000 Kenyans in jobs abroad. “We are a global workforce,” he added.
To ensure integrity in the job placement process, the president said the government had cracked down on fake agents and streamlined international employment channels. “We have scrapped the fake agents. If you’re seeking a job abroad, go to the National Employment Authority (NEA) offices or website to verify opportunities,” he advised.
Ruto expressed concern over the recent trend of youth being mobilised into protests by individuals he accused of having no genuine agenda. “It breaks my heart when people with no plans for the young people take them to the streets, misuse them, and it ends in mayhem—rape, destruction of property and businesses,” he said.
He directly addressed those he believes are manipulating Gen Z for political gain. “They have no credible plan for the youth. They talk about Gen Z only to use them. Shame on them,” Ruto said, lamenting the rising death toll and economic losses tied to ongoing demonstrations.
Offering an alternative path, Ruto encouraged the youth to focus on the many opportunities available. “There are job opportunities, there are business opportunities—you can change your life,” he said. “I want to ask those supporting protests: what is your plan?”
The president reaffirmed his government’s efforts to empower youth through employment facilitation, skills development, and access to funding for businesses.
His remarks, delivered during the meeting with Nairobi United FC, reinforced a message of hope and self-reliance. “Reject visionless people and leaders,” Ruto urged. “Let us build a future where our youth are empowered and not exploited.”