President William Ruto continues to feel the wrath of Kenyans as anti-government chants continue to intensify nine months after successfully deflating the Gen Z protests.
The “Ruto Must Go” chants have become commonplace in public gatherings, stadiums, clubs and social events, catching the attention of top security chiefs.
This comes as the President starts his first development tour in the hostile Mt Kenya region since impeachment of Rigathi Gachagua.
During the Kenya Vs Gabon World Qualifiers match at Nyayo Stadium, there were chants of Ruto Must Go.
This was a replica of Gusii Stadium on March 9 where youths heckled Raila Odinga for his support for Ruto.
The chants have also become a feature in nightclubs and extravaganzas hosting foreign artists.
On social media, particularly X, it has been among the top trending hashtags since the Gen Z protests.
Government-allied politicians have expressed concerns about the hostility, calling for unity and tolerance. This was the main message during the burial of Dagoretti North MP Beatrice Elachi’s son on Saturday.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja urged leaders to bridge the gap with young people through empathy and dialogue.
“What you see as bitterness and anger is a cry. The problem is not our young people. The problem is us, the political class… Our young people are not crazy. They are our children so let us listen to them,” Sakaja said.
Suba North MP Millie Odhiambo called for soul searching.
“We have very angry youth. I don’t know what is going on in this country, but we need serious soul searching, “Odhiambo said.
She said it is time Kenyans talked to each other rather than at one another.
However, Jubilee Nominated MP Sabina Chege remained positive about the visit, saying the people are waiting to see what the President will take to the region.
Responding to fears that Ruto might face a hostile reception, she told the Star that only a fool would go out to heckle as every part of Kenya deserves a piece of the national cake.
“The same way he was received in Western and other regions, the same way he will be warmly welcomed. I have been on the ground and I have asked people whether they want development or politics and they are categorical they want development”.
“The problem we have is we allowed one person to go to the ground with a negative narrative but as of now, that narrative is stale. What residents of Mt Kenya need is access to water, markets for their coffee and tea. We have two years to go, so lets focus on development, which is the reason this government was elected,” Chege said.
Irungu Nyakera on Sunday said Mt Kenya voted for development, which “comes through the Office of the President”.
