Charlene Ruto, daughter of President William Ruto, has urged young Kenyans to channel their energy into constructive change rather than chaos, saying that the youth are driven by a need for connection, mentorship, and platforms to express themselves not destruction.
Speaking through her X account amid ongoing nationwide protests, Charlene addressed the current wave of youth-led demonstrations, stating that the conversation has shifted from demanding a seat at the table to fostering unity and purpose.
“For the last three years, I have quickly learnt that young people are actually looking for connection, not conflict; a platform, not destruction; mentorship, not violence; and they definitely want to be part of the solution, not the problem,” she wrote.
Her comments come as Gen Z continues to dominate both online activism and street protests, demanding greater transparency and accountability from the government. While many of the demonstrations have been peaceful, some have been marred by violence, looting, and destruction attributed to criminal elements infiltrating the crowds.
Charlene, who has herself been the subject of online backlash under the “kusalimia watu” trend, cautioned against toxic online behavior, hate raids, and divisive rhetoric. She emphasised the importance of respectful discourse, warning that tribal, generational, and racial divisions hinder national progress.
She challenged the youth to transform their passion into policy, ideas into action, and emotions into patriotism. “Diverse voices, different opinions, dynamic perspectives but one people,” she stated, urging young Kenyans to lead with reform-driven engagement rather than rebellion.
Charlene’s call for unity and purpose resonates in a period of heightened political tension and youth dissatisfaction. Her message seeks to inspire a movement not only of resistance but of responsibility one that focuses on long-term impact over short-term reaction.
As Gen Z continues to push for a better Kenya, Charlene Ruto’s remarks serve as a reminder that true change comes from building platforms for dialogue and innovation, not from destruction. Her vision encourages young people to take charge of the nation’s future through informed action and collective progress.
