Kenya Kwanza Leaders Flee Protesters at Nyahururu Church Event as President Ruto Acknowledges Youth Concerns
Several Kenya Kwanza Members of Parliament and leaders who joined President William Ruto at a church event at Ndururi Primary School in Nyahururu town on Sunday departed hastily to avoid a clash with protesters.
The leaders exited the venue quietly to evade a confrontation with the youths gathered outside the school.
President Ruto, his deputy Rigathi Gachagua, and other Kenya Kwanza figures attended the consecration of ACK’s third bishop, Major Samson Mburu.
Caught off guard, the leaders were seen running in various directions searching for their vehicles, with some even jumping into the nearest available cars.
Confusion ensued as the presidential escort team swiftly whisked the President away upon realizing protesters were at the gates waiting for him and his entourage.
Just as the President was about to leave, the youths began shouting “Ruto Must Go” and “Reject the Finance Bill”.
The peaceful demonstrators carried Kenyan flags and placards denouncing the Finance Bill and the President.
At one point, the chanting protesters overpowered the police and gained access to the school playground, seeking an audience with the President. However, he managed to slip out during the confusion after briefly addressing the church.
Earlier on Sunday, Anglican Church of Kenya Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit successfully barred over 20 politicians who accompanied President Ruto to a church ceremony in Nyahururu from addressing the congregation.
Ruto and his deputy Gachagua avoided politics in their speeches. President Ruto acknowledged the youth for protesting against the Finance Bill 2024.
He expressed pride in the youth and concern for their issues, stating he would discuss their grievances.
Stay peaceful
He assured that the Finance Bill would address youth challenges by channeling funds to the Constituency Development Fund for bursaries and higher education.
“I am proud of the youth for ensuring their grievances are heard, but we must remain peaceful. The youth’s issues will be fully addressed,” said the President.
President Ruto emphasized that his administration will continue collaborating with the church due to its significant role in the country.
“My administration will work with the church because we recognize its critical role in the development agenda,” he added.
Employ 20,000 teachers
He also announced that the government will hire 20,000 teachers in the next financial year, and those on contract will be made permanent and pensionable.
Mr. Gachagua supported the ACK leadership’s decision to reject politics in church.
He criticized politicians for abusing the church’s goodwill by using it as a platform for divisive politics.
“I agree that the church should not be used for politics. If we want to engage in politics, we should do so in stadiums and on the streets, not in churches,” Mr. Gachagua said.
Gachagua mentioned that Archbishop Jackson Ole Sapit had warned that no politician would address the congregation and that he had to persuade him to allow him and the President to speak.
Commenting on the ongoing nationwide protests against the Finance Bill, Archbishop Sapit remarked, “The situation is unpredictable. Generation Z are not enemies of the country; they have the right and reason to protest. The police should avoid using excessive force against them.”
“Let us listen to them; they are our children, and we need to address their concerns,” he added.
He drew laughter when he shared that his son was among the youths who protested in Nairobi last week.
Kenya Kwanza Leaders Flee Protesters at Nyahururu Church Event as President Ruto Acknowledges Youth Concerns