President Ruto is inviting youth to an X Space dialogue
President Ruto is inviting youth to an X Space dialogue
President Ruto is inviting youth to an X Space dialogue
Kenyan youth have been challenged by President William Ruto to engage in direct communication with him via X (Twitter) Space on Thursday, July 4, or Friday, July 5. This audacious action comes after his administration’s poor communication with the younger generation was widely criticized.
At a direct roundtable chat with digital media on Sunday at State House in Nairobi, President Ruto admitted that his administration had not done a better job of interacting with Kenya’s youth.
This disclosure follows a wave of growing online unrest, especially from Generation Z, who have demanded communication with the government via X Space.
Ruto’s administration has faced a turbulent two weeks, with young Kenyans vociferously demanding his resignation. In response, the President is now seeking to open his office to the youth, whom he has been accused of failing to engage adequately.
“I hear the young people are saying they don’t want a multisectoral forum. Maybe we should have an engagement with the President on X. I’m open to having an engagement with the young people on a forum they are comfortable with. If they want me to engage with them on X, I will be there,” Ruto declared in an earlier televised interview.
Speaking to the digital media team, he added, “Tell me who among you is going to set up the X Space and either Thursday or Friday, I will be there. I want us to discuss taxation, unemployment, corruption, and all issues.”
The X Space platform has recently been a hotbed of activity, with the youth using it to voice their grievances and demand accountability from the President. This dialogue invitation comes as Ruto attempts to salvage his administration’s credibility following widespread protests and calls for his resignation.
In recent weeks, President Ruto has faced a storm of protests against the contentious Finance Bill 2024. He has since withdrawn the bill and promised significant changes within the executive, including the abolition of the offices of the First Lady and Second Lady.
This move is seen as an effort to appease the disgruntled youth and regain public trust.
“We have many young leaders from churches and other institutions. Let them step forward and lead this conversation,” Ruto urged.
The President’s willingness to engage directly with the youth signifies a significant shift in his approach to governance. He has shown an understanding of the importance of addressing the youth’s concerns comprehensively.
He acknowledged the need for a more inclusive conversation by saying, “I have young people in the house, and I know some of their concerns.”
The recent demonstrations against the Finance Bill, which claimed the lives of over twenty people, have placed Ruto’s administration under close examination.
During the protests, Ksh2.4 billion worth of property was either set on fire or destroyed, according to the President. According to him, certain criminal groups had taken advantage of the protests to burn down Parliament and other important government buildings.
