President William Ruto’s daughter Charlene Ruto has called for what she termed as a “generational ceasefire” as tensions escalate between Gen Z protesters and the country’s older leadership.
In a statement posted on her X account (formerly Twitter), Charlene who prides herself in being a youth advocate acknowledged the growing conflict between the younger generation and their seniors, urging for unity, dialogue, and peaceful alternatives to violence.
At the same time Charlene partially attributed the current discord to the Millennial generation, saying they have fallen short in their role as intermediaries.
“I would partially blame us the Millennials for the endless and senseless conflict between the senior citizens and young Gen Zs,” she wrote.
“We as the older brothers and sisters who understand both generations have failed to mediate for peaceful coexistence, provide leadership and clarity in tough times, and offer our young people guidance on alternatives that don’t necessarily lead to violent riots.”
Charlene’s message comes at a time when youth-led demonstrations, especially by Gen Zs, have become a central feature of political and social discourse in Kenya.
While the protests have drawn attention to key governance and economic issues, some have turned confrontational, with rising concerns over police brutality, arrests, and a hardening of generational lines.
While emphasizing the urgent need for a shift in approach, Charlene called on Kenyans to adopt non-violent and solution-oriented strategies.
“It’s time we embrace a generational ceasefire immediately and onboard more civil and objective-driven alternatives like inter-generational dialogues, policy recommendations, and actively lobby for sensible reforms,” she stated.
She warned that if the current trajectory continues, marked by hostility, retribution, and unchecked online aggression, the nation risks undermining its social fabric.
“Violence, revenge, rage hunting, cancel culture, hooliganism, cyber bullying, and violent riots will only erode our national culture, radicalize our youth, and induce dangerous instability,” she cautioned.
Charlene’s remarks have sparked a mixed response online, with some praising her for taking a bold and conciliatory stance, while others questioned the sincerity of leaders who have previously remained silent during youth crackdowns.
Nonetheless, her call for a generational truce adds to growing voices across the country advocating for sober, inclusive, and long-term solutions to Kenya’s socio-political challenges.
