Kenyans Explode After Charlene Ruto Bible Quote Over Saba Saba Protests Backfires
Charlene Ruto, daughter of President William Ruto, has come under fire online after her Saba Saba Day message which many Kenyans found tone deaf as protests continue to rock the country. Her post was about youth mentorship and generational reconciliation as Gen Z led demos intensified across the country over government actions and economic issues.
On Sunday, July 7, Charlene posted a message highlighting her mentorship initiative with youth leaders from all 47 counties. She praised the young leaders for offering “objective-driven representation, structured dialogues and alternative engagement methods” and said “I am proud of your courage, maturity and leadership.”
Earlier that day she had also quoted Malachi 4:6 and asked if today’s youth still feared God.
However her comments were met with swift backlash online with many accusing her of being out of touch with reality especially with the rising number of injuries and deaths during protests. Citizens pointed out her silence on state violence and asked her to use her position to influence her father directly.
Netizens reacted to Charlene’s message with divided though largely negative opinions. Here are some of the comments:
- @gerry.njuguna: “You can’t talk to us about God when all this regime is doing is ungodly.”
- @niffer.m: “Talk to your father to talk to Kenyans, let him apologise where he has gone wrong. Let him bring the change he promised Kenyans before 2027.”
- @gathu_evans: “Proverbs 29:2 says, ‘When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice: but when the wicked rule, the people mourn.’”
- @melisatasha001: “Hii family kila mtu ni pastor….wantam.”
- @diablo.azul._: “Exodus 20:5-6 says, ‘I, the LORD your God, am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children…’”
- @beatrace.samba.961: “Ask your father, he has better answers.”
- @ages_of_cute: “Ongea na baba yako wewe.”
- @irenemuendo: “Does this government fear God?”* @abdallah_truck_world: “You want this generation to believe in God while your family believes in money and property🤷♂️.”
- @kennedy_makau: “You think those young people demonstrating on the streets are only students, right? Unakosea.”
These sentiments sum up the growing public anger with those in power not being accountable and empathetic. Saba Saba Day which commemorates the 1990 pro-democracy movement was marked this year with massive protests led by young people demanding transparency, justice and economic relief.
Charlene Ruto who is known for her youth programs has not commented on the current civil unrest. Her recent post about leadership and faith has been interpreted by many as a deflection from the issues facing Kenyan citizens.
As protests continue to intensify in major towns and cities, pressure is mounting on state officials to address the demands of the protesters. Meanwhile the public is asking the First Daughter to bridge the gap between leadership and citizen concerns—starting with talking to her father.
Also Read: Charles Owino Unmasks 15 X influencers Behind Gen Zs Protests
Kenyans Explode After Charlene Ruto Bible Quote Over Saba Saba Protests Backfires