Fast-rising musician Stivo Simple Boy has shown a willingness to engage with President William Ruto in order to address the issues being raised by Gen Z protesters.
In a video seen by Mkenya Leo, Stivo urged the president to set a date and invite him for discussion in State House.
“Wewe ni rais wa taifa na rais wa wanyonge. Panga siku nikuje ikulu tulongelonge, tuone ni kitu gani tunaweza saidia nayo wananchi.” he noted.
Earlier on, Ruto had expressed his readiness to converse with the youth on their preferred platforms, including X Space, to work towards improving Kenya.
The youth have been actively protesting against his administration’s tax policies and governance issues.
They have been organizing nationwide protests for two weeks over the Finance Bill 2024, which Ruto ultimately withdrew in response to mounting pressure. “I’m ready to engage with them to understand their issues,” he said.
When asked about the perceived disconnect between the youth and the government, President Ruto affirmed his awareness of their challenges and pledged to address their concerns comprehensively. “I have young people in the house, and I know some of their concerns,” he said.
The X Space platform has recently seen heightened activity, with youth using it to voice their concerns that they want President Ruto to address.
The President took the opportunity to express satisfaction with the crisis, noting that it has provided an opportunity for the nation to engage in meaningful dialogue. “I am happy that this crisis is here with us, and it’s time for us to have a conversation,” he said.
On Friday, President William Ruto’s Chief of Staff, Felix Koskei, called for dialogue, proposing a team of 100 representatives appointed by the youth, civil society, religious organisations, professional bodies, business community organisations and others.
The response by Gen Z came fast, saying they don’t have leaders. They added that it was wrong to dialogue with President Ruto because of massive abductions, detentions, and the killing of their colleagues.
Through Twitter spaces and TikTok platforms, Kenya’s youngest adults have argued that those in power should not abuse and lecture them on how to be governed. They want the leadership to understand that the voter is the boss.
