Charlene Ruto, the daughter of President William Ruto, sparked a storm online after boldly stating that Raila Odinga copied her idea on intergenerational talks. Speaking at a recent youth event, Charlene claimed she had been advocating for dialogue between generations long before the veteran opposition leader mentioned it.
She Calls Herself the Youth Champion
Charlene has positioned herself as a leading voice for youth empowerment. Calling herself the “Youth Champion,” she has regularly spoken at universities, innovation hubs, and youth forums. Her message focuses on mindset change, economic empowerment, and leadership opportunities for Gen Zs and millennials.
During her recent address, Charlene confidently declared: “No, the honourable Raila Odinga was not the person to call for intergenerational talks, it was me—he copied me.” The statement left her audience in laughter, and quickly ignited reactions across social media platforms.
Raila’s Push for Intergenerational Dialogue
Just a few days earlier, Raila Odinga had called for intergenerational talks to address rising tension in the country following youth-led protests. These demonstrations focused on high taxation, unemployment, and calls for government accountability. Raila urged for structured discussions to bridge the gap between the youth and leadership.
However, some critics dismissed his remarks as a strategy to remain politically relevant among Gen Z. Charlene’s bold claim appeared to challenge his credibility, triggering an intense online back-and-forth.
Mixed Reactions from Kenyans
Kenyans flooded social media with reactions. While some applauded Charlene’s confidence, others criticized her tone, arguing that her remarks showed a lack of respect toward an elder statesman. Several users warned that generational rivalry should not overshadow the goal of unity and dialogue.
Online comments ranged from laughter to frustration, with one user noting: “Even if Raila betrayed us, he deserves his respect.” Another wrote: “We’ve reached a point where grandchildren are mocking icons. Sad.”
Charlene Blames Millennials for Watching in Silence
In another part of her speech, Charlene shifted focus to millennials, accusing them of failing to mediate between Gen Z and older generations. She said millennials passively watched as Gen Z protests intensified instead of helping to calm the situation or support constructive conversation.
She called for a “generational ceasefire,” urging all age groups to work together for Kenya’s growth instead of tearing each other down.
