Babu Owino, the Member of Parliament for Embakasi East, has sharply criticized President William Ruto for his failure to address the deaths of Kenyan youths during recent anti-government protests.
Speaking at the funeral of Rex Kanyeki Masai, a young protester who lost his life, in Machakos County on Friday, Owino condemned President Ruto's leadership, suggesting that he should resign.
Owino accused the President of neglecting his duties by not attending the funeral of Rex and instead participating in an online forum on X Spaces. The MP argued that if Ruto were truly a responsible leader, he would have been present to offer condolences and take responsibility for the lives lost in the unrest.
He expressed concern that Ruto’s stubbornness and unpopular decisions have alienated him from the majority of Kenyans, particularly the younger generation, which could lead to his political downfall.
"If Ruto were a true President, he would be here today to comfort Rex's family. He would be here to pay his respects and take responsibility for the unnecessary loss of lives during these struggles," Owino stated.
The MP further asserted that Ruto’s administration has exacerbated the high cost of living through increased taxes and corruption scandals, such as the fake fertilizer issue.
Owino criticized Ruto, saying, “He is not a leader but a dealer, manipulating our lives and causing suffering. His vision seems to involve harming young people, raising healthcare costs, and worsening the country's conditions.”
Owino also highlighted that Rex and other young protesters died fighting for a better nation amid issues like high education costs, inadequate medical supplies, and food scarcity caused by fraudulent fertilizer sales.
During the funeral, leaders from the Azimio la Umoja One Kenya coalition also condemned President Ruto, accusing him of supporting injustice and suppressing constitutional rights by praising the police despite their excesses.
DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa criticized Ruto for his failure to engage in genuine dialogue while the military was deployed against youth protesters. Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka denounced the violence against a Kenyan youth, emphasizing that the national flag symbolizes sacred values and should not be desecrated.
Rex, the 29-year-old protester, was the first casualty of the Gen Z-led demonstrations. He was shot by a plainclothes police officer on June 18, 2024, in Nairobi during protests against the Finance Bill. CCTV footage revealed that the officer fired multiple bullets, leading to Rex’s death. His family is now calling for justice for the young man lost during the peaceful protests.
Source: https://www.citizen.digital/news/gen-zs-will-send-you-into-political-oblivion-mp-babu-owino-tells-president-ruto-n345338