‘Take It to Sugoi!’ Opposition Leaders Slam President Ruto Over Gen Z Apology

President William Ruto’s apology at the National Prayer Breakfast has sparked widespread controversy, drawing sharp criticism from opposition leaders and many Kenyans, especially over the handling of the Gen Z deaths during last year’s protests.

Opposition leaders, who gathered at Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka’s Tseikuru residence in Kitui County, dismissed the apology as hollow and insulting—especially to families whose children were harmed or killed during the June 2024 protests over the controversial Finance Bill.

“Gen Z mko hapa, mnakubali apology ya Bwana Ruto? Gen Z walikufa, hawakufa? You have blood on your hands, Bwana Ruto. He gave a conditional apology. Do you accept it or not?” posed DAP-K Party Leader Eugene Wamalwa to the crowd.

Former Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi added sarcastically, “Ati kama tulikosea natoa msamaha… iko msamaha hapo? William Ruto, take your apology to Sugoi… because you’re going to be a one-term president.”

Former UDA Secretary General Cleophas Malala weighed in, saying, “Apology ni kuomba tu msamaha, kusema tu ‘nisamehe.’ Lakini repentance ni lazima useme ni makosa gani unataka kusamehewa.”

The leaders argued that the apology lacked sincerity and accountability, and instead came off as a public relations move amidst mounting pressure.

This, along with other issues that have plagued the Kenya Kwanza administration—such as the rising cost of living and discontent among the youth—has, according to the opposition, laid a solid foundation for a sweeping defeat in the 2027 General Election.

Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, now aligned with the opposition, declared they already have a concrete plan to oust President Ruto.

“Ndio Kenya iendelee, Ruto must—go! That is the most important thing. Na yeye anashinda akitupigia kelele ati hatuna agenda. Tuko na agenda. Na agenda ni kufukuza yeye kwanza,” Gachagua emphasized.

Kalonzo Musyoka echoed similar sentiments, stating, “You swore to uphold the Constitution, I must remind you. And some of the things you’re doing with your fellow administrators in this failed administration are clearly anti-constitution and are impeachable offences.”

In a dramatic end to his remarks, Gachagua concluded:
“I’m not just a politician, I’m a political scientist. Mimi nakaanga mahali ya hesabu, mahali kuna formula. This matter is done — only that it’s too far away. Aki hii uchaguzi ingekuwa ni kesho?”

As the political temperature rises, the opposition remains united and resolute, vowing to hold the administration accountable ahead of the 2027 General Election.

Article By Suzy Nyongesa