Nandi youth leaders back Ruto's dialogue plan, call for peace

Businessman Meshack Kimutai, who is leading the effort, said the President needs support to stabilise the country and create opportunities for the young people.

“We fully support the plan and call by the President for dialogue with the youth because the young people will get the chance to participate in development programmes,” he said. 

Young people, he said, should prepare to go for leadership so that they position themselves to push for inclusion in national matters.

Kimutai, who is eyeing the governor seat in Nandi, urged the youth not to shy away from elective politics even with little resources at their disposal.

“The youth will be better placed to push for their interests if they go for elective positions or come out to actively participate in national matters.  President Ruto’s call for dialogue is one such opportunity which we must all support,” he said. 

He added it was unfortunate that several youth were injured while some lost their lives the protests.

Kimutai has urged the youth to avoid protests and give President Ruto a chance to implement his promises. He said there is need for the county to quickly recover from the current situation and resume normalcy.

Other youth and community leaders in the region who have called dialogue include Benjamin Leting and Paul Kibet, among others.

Separately, a section of Eldoret bishops are also pleading with the Gen Zs to give the head of state a chance to implement the agenda he has promised after the protests.

The clerics are calling for patience and tolerance, arguing that the country is going through a difficult time.

They were led by Bishop Wilson Kurui who is the patron of the Uasin Gishu county Gospel Ministers and Bishop David Ndhiwa.

Bishop Kurui said the youth had passed a clear message to the President and the government which should not be ignored.

“Now it’s time for our children to withdraw from street protests and give Ruto a chance to act,” he added. 

He urged the youth end the protests streets and seek spiritual guidance.

Kurui said as church leaders they were saddened by the loss of lives and destruction property during the demos. 

“We still need the country as Kenyans and we now urge our youth to cool down stop destroying the same country."