Ruto Calls Out Kenya’s Leaders and Parents Over Rising Youth Crisis and Lawlessness

Ruto Sparks Debate Over Kenya’s Alarming Youth Crisis

President William Ruto is putting the spotlight right back on Kenya’s most uncomfortable social issues: a rising tide of lawlessness among the youth, escalating violence, and a growing gap in national unity. Standing before a crowd at the commissioning of the Etio Dam in the North Rift, he didn’t mince words. In fact, he sounded more like a frustrated parent than a politician as he warned, 'Let’s not cheat each other because we know it’s politics of hatred and tribalism and incitement that brought us where we are.'

He’s not backing away from calling out what he sees as the core drivers of the crisis — toxic political games and tribal divisions that keep simmering across communities. Ruto argued that the real crisis isn’t just kids acting out; it’s adults refusing to face uncomfortable truths and missing opportunities to connect with young people in meaningful ways.

Leaders and Parents: No More Evasion

What makes Ruto’s appeal unusual is that he didn’t just wag his finger at politicians. He got personal. He told parents straight-up that sidestepping hard conversations with their teens—especially about lawlessness and violent protests—just isn’t good enough anymore. The country, he said, is paying the price for adults’ reluctance to speak plainly with the next generation. 'Parents must talk frankly to their children,' he insisted.

Ruto’s speech landed before an audience packed with heavyweights: Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen, Treasury PS Dr. Chris Kiptoo, CS Beatrice Askul, and county bosses Jonathan Bii and Wisley Rotich. The high-profile turnout made it hard to ignore the president’s real target, which wasn’t only the public but also the people within his own government. He bluntly suggested that finger-pointing and soft-pedaling need to end, replaced by open admissions about what went wrong — and how to mend it.

The president was clear: The breakdown didn’t start with the youth themselves. It started at the top, with leaders sowing discord or just keeping quiet while society drifted. He called out the tendency to dodge responsibility when it comes time to talk about difficult subjects — tribalism, bitter politics, and the ripple effects on young Kenyans who often feel unheard, squeezed by unemployment, or manipulated for political goals.

He painted the picture of a society at a crossroads. Either Kenya keeps pretending the crisis isn’t as bad as it seems, or everyone—from church pulpits to county halls to family dinner tables—gets honest and tackles the mess together. 'This is for all of us,' he urged, making it clear that the youth crisis can no longer be seen as someone else’s problem. The work, he says, belongs to leaders, parents, and every community voice ready to step up.

• Ruto demanded direct communication between adults and the youth about avoiding violence.
• He called for political leaders to own up to their role in fueling division and unrest.
• The president stressed that fixing the youth crisis will take more than government projects — it will need the full attention and honesty of the nation.

His words carry extra weight against a backdrop of mounting frustration and recent protests where young Kenyans have demanded jobs, fairness, and accountability. Ruto’s message: real change starts at home and in boardrooms, not just in campaign speeches or police crackdowns. And the clock is ticking.