President William Ruto has criticised Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka over his remarks on the June 25 protests, dismissing the opposition leader’s claim that the demonstrations were successful because many Kenyans stayed away from work.
Speaking during the launch of the Ngong Road Flyover on Monday, June 29, Ruto said Kalonzo was wrong to celebrate the low economic activity witnessed during the protests, arguing that Kenyans should instead be encouraged to continue working and earning a living.
The President maintained that no political leader has the right to discourage citizens from pursuing their livelihoods, adding that the country’s progress depends on people engaging in productive economic activities rather than staying away from work.
President William Ruto and Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka. Photo: Courtesy.
Ruto also took aim at Kalonzo’s political record, claiming the Wiper leader has spent decades in public service without delivering meaningful results for Kenyans.
He argued that leaders who have had opportunities to serve should focus on their own records instead of urging citizens to halt their daily activities.
The Head of State thanked Nairobi residents, particularly young people and business owners, for choosing to go about their normal activities instead of participating in protests that he said often result in the destruction of property and disruption of businesses.
According to Ruto, maintaining peace and supporting economic activity are essential to creating jobs and sustaining the country’s growth, noting that entrepreneurs and workers should be allowed to continue their businesses without interruption.
His remarks came in response to Kalonzo’s earlier assertion that the June 25 protests had achieved their objective because many Kenyans remained at home in what he described as a silent show of solidarity with the families of those who lost their lives during the 2024 Gen Z protests.
Kalonzo argued that the reduced movement witnessed in several parts of the country reflected public support for the commemorative protests despite the relatively low number of people who turned up for demonstrations.
The June 25 anniversary protests recorded lower turnout than initially anticipated, with the most notable event being a wreath-laying ceremony by leaders of the United Opposition outside Parliament in honour of victims of last year’s anti-government demonstrations.
The commemorations took place amid heightened security in Nairobi and other major towns, with many businesses remaining closed and public transport operating at reduced capacity in some areas.
