'Youth want mentorship, not violence': Charlene Ruto says on Gen Z protests

Charlene Ruto, daughter of President William Ruto, has broken her silence amid the ongoing wave of youth-led protests sweeping across the country, urging for a shift from confrontation to constructive engagement.

In a statement released Tuesday, Charlene said the national conversation must evolve from symbolic inclusion to genuine connection, noting that young people are yearning for meaningful relationships and tangible change rather than conflict.

“The way I see it, the conversation is no longer about having a seat at the table, but a place in each other’s hearts,” she stated.

Charlene, who has in recent years positioned herself as a youth advocate through various grassroots engagements, said her experience working closely with young people has revealed their true aspirations.

She said: “As I have intentionally met, deeply engaged, and heavily invested in the young people as a collective for the last 3 years, I have quickly learnt that young people are actually looking for connection, not conflict; they are looking for a platform, not destruction; they are looking for mentorship, not violence; and they definitely want to be part of the solution, not the problem!”

Her comments come as thousands of young Kenyans continue to take to the streets, expressing dissatisfaction with government policies and rising cases of police brutality.

The protests, largely driven by Gen Zs, have sparked widespread debate on youth inclusion and national identity.

Charlene warned against divisive rhetoric and actions that risk undermining national cohesion.

“There is no nation that will ever benefit from encouraging division be it generational, tribal, or even racial. Peer pressure, mob mentality, hate raids (‘Kusalimia watu’), and riots do not qualify as unity,” she said.

She called on young people to channel their energy toward reform and policy engagement, rather than street agitation.

“How do we convert our passion to policy, our ideas to tangible plans, our energy for riots to reform-based engagements, from shouting to constructive dialogue, and intense emotions into patriotism!”

Charlene concluded her message with a rallying call for unity amidst diversity: “Diverse voices, different opinions, dynamic perspectives – but one people!”

Her statement adds to the growing chorus of voices calling for peaceful engagement and national introspection during a politically charged moment in the country.