President William Ruto has dismissed the opposition as “clueless tribal anarchists” intent on exploiting the youth for selfish political gain, even as he announced an ambitious plan to create 1.4 million jobs targeting Gen Z.
Speaking during an inspection of the ongoing Nairobi River clean-up, Ruto launched a blistering attack on the camp led by impeached Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing them of lacking any meaningful strategy to address youth unemployment.
“I’m asking my competitors, what tangible plan do you have for the young people of Kenya?” the President posed, drawing cheers from the crowd.
“You cannot claim leadership when your only agenda is to organise youths to loot, destroy businesses and attack private property. That is not an alternative job plan.”
Ruto appeared to link the opposition to the recent violent and chaotic protests that saw property destroyed and businesses looted across the country.
“Let them tell us their plans. It cannot be that their work is to organise youths to attack, loot and destroy other people’s properties and businesses. That cannot be an alternative plan for creating jobs,” he stated.
Currently, dozens of youths—including some allied to Gachagua—are facing terrorism-related charges after authorities linked them to the looting and arson during the demonstrations.
Gachagua and the opposition, however, have denied involvement, instead accusing the state of sponsoring the violence.
“We’ve seen the Interior CS pretentiously visiting shops looted by state-sponsored goons in a bid to conceal his complicity. Kenyans are not fools,” Gachagua said recently.
But an unapologetic Ruto insisted that his administration has a comprehensive strategy to tackle youth unemployment.
The President was accompanied by several UDA and ODM leaders, led by Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja and Ruaraka MP TJ Kajwang'.
In a bid to win back the support of Gen Z—who have been leading mass protests against his government—the President outlined several employment initiatives.
He said his government plans to create at least 1.4 million jobs across various sectors, specifically targeting young people.
Ruto said the government is scaling up the job opportunities in the affordable housing programme from the current 300,000 to 600,000 youths.
In addition, at least 200,000 youths are being employed in the Climate WorX programme.
The "Climate WorX" programme, formerly known as Kazi Mtaani, is an initiative that aims to provide employment opportunities for young people in informal settlements while also addressing climate-related issues.
It focuses on public works projects like road construction and environmental sanitation, to create sustainable jobs and improve community well-being.
The President said another 180,000 youths are already earning a living from online jobs, and his administration is keen to expand the online space for the youth.
“We already have 400,000 young people working in our export of labour or labour mobility plan. What is your plan?” he asked his critics.
“You can’t be planning to pay young people to cause destruction and call that a job creation strategy. That is simply unacceptable.”
Unfulfilled promises for the creation of jobs have been at the centre of the youth-led protests that have taken the country by storm.
The President cautioned the youth not to fall for what he termed as deception by self-serving political figures who lack a clear agenda.
“Don’t be misled by leaders who have no plan for you. They are tribalists driven by hate. Their only interest is in destroying what others have built,” he warned.
Ruto emphasised that Kenya cannot afford to lose time to political violence and ethnic divisions while millions of youths remain jobless and in need of opportunity.
“We have no time for chaos, violence, or ethnic politics. We want to build our country,” he said.
He further challenged opposition leaders to stop inciting unrest and instead present practical solutions to the country’s pressing issues.
“Anyone with a genuine plan for Kenya should come forward and share it with the youth. I have mine—let them bring theirs,” Ruto stated.
He concluded by underscoring the importance of peace and stability for sustainable development.
“Young people cannot get jobs in an environment of chaos and conflict. National development only thrives in a peaceful and stable country,” Ruto said.
“Let us agree to protect our nation and create space for growth, progress and opportunity.”
INSTANT ANALYSIS
Recently, President Ruto reaffirmed his unwavering commitment to Kenya’s transformation, insisting that the country's development agenda is firmly on course. He dismissed critics and urged unity among Kenyans in pushing the country forward. Ruto said the country cannot afford to waste time on violence and ethnic politics, especially when millions of young people are jobless and desperate for opportunity.
