Former President Uhuru Kenyatta has once again taken a swipe at President William Ruto's administration handling of Young Kenyans who voice their objection to the government’s initiatives.
Uhuru made a reference to the late President Daniel Arap Moi, describing him as a visionary leader who empowered and embraced the youth during his tenure, unlike the current administration.
Speaking at the wedding of the son of former Baringo Senator Gideon Moi, Uhuru described Moi as a political father who mentored him in matters of leadership and governance.
Uhuru, with a touch of humour, remarked that he would keep his speech brief to avoid getting into trouble with political parties allied with the government.
“President Moi was not afraid of young people, unlike some government leaders today,” he said.
His remarks come just days after the Former President received backlash from leaders affiliated to the ruling coalition after he urged the Youth to 'Stand Up'.
Speaking at the second annual Guild Leaders’ Summit held at Makerere University, Kenyatta challenged young leaders to view themselves as the final guardians of Africa’s future.
“You are the last line of defence in the battle to rescue the heart and soul of Africa,” he declared, capturing the spirit of urgency and empowerment that echoed throughout the summit.
In his address to policymakers, student leaders, and academic stakeholders from across East Africa at Makerere University of Uganda, Uhuru underscored the urgent need for integrity-driven leadership and self-reliance to navigate the continent’s pressing challenges.
He equally highlighted Africa’s demographic advantage, with over 65 per cent of its population under 25, calling it a pivotal opportunity to break free from cycles of division and corruption.
"You have the numbers, you have the time, and you have the energy to get involved and stay involved in governance discussions until you effect the changes you wish to see,” he noted.
Uhuru appealed to the young leaders to embrace policies developed for the long-term good rather than short-term policies developed to serve personal interests, urging them to stand for what is right as they were the continent’s last line of defence in the face of a decline in foreign aid and funding.
“No one is coming to save us, and as the world turns increasingly inward, the places to seek refuge are rapidly disappearing.”
In response, Interior and National Administration CS Kipchumba Murkomen slammed the former president. The CS wondered how the former president has all over sudden become 'very clever'.
Murkomen stated that it was out of order for the former President to 'incite the youth against the current administration.
"Ata wino yenye ulikua unasignia' decisions kama rais haijakauka, lakini suddenly umekua very cleaver. Sasa wewe ndiye unatupatia lecture kutwambia fanyeni maandamano... pigeni serikali... na jana ulikua hapa hata mahali ulikanyanga ukitoka mlango ya state house hapajakauka.. suddenly very clever" he said.
Murkomen urged leaders to act as a good example to the youth, warning that any leader inciting young Kenyans will face the full wrath of the law.
"This exploitation of young people is not right. I want to ask leaders across the political divide, this is not an issue for political gain, this is an issue we must all act responsibly." he said, noting that the government is working towards infrastructure development, building factories and creating employment for the youth.
