National Council of Elders backs Gen Z protests

The National Elders Council has expressed its support for the ongoing Gen Z-led protests in the country, while faulting the government for failing to meet the needs of its citizens.

Speaking at a press conference in Nairobi on Wednesday, Kungu Muigai, the chairman of the council, urged the government to conduct a forensic audit following the debt crisis in the country.

"When the Kenya Kwanza government assumed office, they claimed there were empty coffers and no money. We demand a thorough audit of government expenditure and revenue over the last 15 years," he said.

Furthermore, Muigai highlighted the issue of youth unemployment, referring to the freezing of public sector employment as announced by Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung'u during the budget reading for the next fiscal year.

"Corruption in this country is the root cause of unemployment. The youth are on the streets because they lack jobs. Many of them have acquired more than one degree, yet they still lack employment," he added.

Despite the criticism, the council of elders declared their support for President Ruto’s call for dialogue to calm the waters amidst political tension.

“We acknowledge the leadership of President William Ruto and we are ready to support him in any way to steer the country,” he said.