President William Ruto utilized this year’s National Prayer Breakfast as a platform to extend an apology to the nation’s Gen Z, indicating a reconciliatory stance in anticipation of the 2027 elections.
The youth of the country are projected to constitute over half of the electorate in the upcoming 2027 polls, with various political factions already vying for their engagement.
While addressing attendees at the event held at the Safari Park Hotel, the President underscored the significance of unity, asserting, “Where there is unity, God commands a blessing.”
“To our children, if there has been any misstep, we apologise,” the President conveyed to the nation’s young populace, commonly referred to as Gen Z, who have posed challenges to his administration.
This occasion marked the first instance in which the President publicly expressed regret towards the youth, following a year characterized by tensions between his government and both Gen Z and Millennials.
In 2024, Gen Z led substantial protests that culminated in the invasion of Parliament, advocating for significant reforms within the Kenya Kwanza administration.
They also protested against the Finance Bill, 2024, which introduced a series of new taxes, arguing that the additional levies were excessively burdensome.
In reaction, President Ruto subsequently disbanded his Cabinet and established a broad-based government that incorporated opposition leaders to restore stability in the country.
Since that time, his administration has encountered increasing pressure to genuinely involve youth in the decision-making processes.
During the prayer breakfast, the President further encouraged Kenyans to coexist harmoniously despite their political differences, highlighting the necessity of constructing a united and peaceful nation.
Quoting extensively from the Book of Psalms 133, Ruto remarked: “The Word of God tells us how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to live together in unity.”
“It is in God’s perfect will and plan for us to live together in unity — across political divides, across our communities, and across our religious differences,” he continued, urging Kenyans to engage in peaceful coexistence.
The President’s statements are made during a period of increased tensions as politicians begin their campaigns for the early 2027 elections.
