Interior and National Administration Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has publicly criticized former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s recent call for African youth to agitate for good governance, questioning the timing and sincerity of Kenyatta’s remarks.
Speaking shortly after Kenyatta’s address at Makerere University in Uganda, where the former president urged young people to become proactive in shaping the continent’s future, Murkomen expressed skepticism about Kenyatta’s newfound advocacy for youth engagement, noting that he had only recently left office.
“Suddenly, he is very clever and lecturing us, urging the youth to fight for good governance. He left office just the other day and even his ink has not dried,” Murkomen remarked, suggesting it was ironic for Kenyatta to champion youth causes now, having been at the helm of power until 2022.
Murkomen acknowledged the country’s youth bulge and admitted that addressing youth concerns, particularly unemployment, remains a priority for President William Ruto’s administration.
He highlighted ongoing government initiatives such as the Affordable Housing Programme, digital jobs, labor migration, and industrialization through county aggregation and special economic zones, all aimed at creating job opportunities for young people.
He further pointed to the BETA Agenda, which includes projects like the Digital Superhighway, as evidence of the administration’s commitment to empowering youth and preparing them for a digital future1.
Additionally, Murkomen underscored President Ruto’s efforts to attract foreign investment, noting that the head of state has been actively promoting Kenya as a destination for global firms to enhance job creation and economic growth.
“President Ruto is selling Kenya abroad, showcasing the various opportunities available for investors,” he stated.
On the political front, Murkomen addressed calls for Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka to join the broad-based government, saying the doors remain open for leaders willing to contribute ideas and participate in governance. He challenged Musyoka to seize the opportunity now, rather than wait for future political transitions.
Former President Kenyatta, meanwhile, has adopted a more activist tone since leaving office, urging youth to reject short-term political gains and become the “last line of defence” for Africa’s future.
He emphasized the continent’s demographic advantage and called for integrity-driven leadership and unity among the youth.
The exchange highlights a growing debate over the role of youth in governance and the responsibilities of both current and former leaders in shaping Kenya’s future.
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