Kenya’s opposition leaders are calling on President William Ruto to take full responsibility for the deaths of young protesters during recent demonstrations. The leaders, speaking at a rally in Machakos County, are demanding that families who lost loved ones be compensated and that the truth behind the killings be revealed.
Led by Wiper Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, and DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa, the opposition questioned the sincerity of President Ruto’s recent apology to Kenyan youth. They argued that the apology means little without clear accountability and compensation.
Wamalwa pointed out the need for justice for Rex Masai, a young protester from Machakos who was the first to be confirmed dead during the Gen Z-led protests.
“We cannot talk about forgiveness if we don’t know who killed Rex,” Wamalwa said, echoing public frustration over the lack of action taken against those responsible.
Kalonzo added that the government has yet to offer any form of compensation to the families affected, saying,
“The pain of loss remains unanswered. The apology must be followed by action.”
Gachagua, who has recently aligned himself with opposition voices, used the event to call for political unity. He urged all opposition parties to come together and challenge President Ruto in the 2027 general elections.
“Let’s join hands. Our mission is to remove William Ruto from office,” Gachagua told the crowd, signaling a shift in his political stance.
Wamalwa supported the call for unity, warning that the country is on the wrong path.
“From the mountain, we have started the journey. We must remain united,” he said, referring to growing opposition momentum in central Kenya.
In a separate event in Kirinyaga County, Martha Karua, leader of the People’s Liberation Party (PLP), launched her early bid for the presidency. She criticized the current administration for widespread corruption and ignoring the rule of law. Karua urged other opposition leaders to support her candidacy as part of a united front.
The opposition has promised to intensify its campaigns in the coming months. Their goal is to ensure that President Ruto does not get a second term, citing rising dissatisfaction among citizens and unaddressed grievances from recent protests. As political temperatures rise, the demand for justice for Gen Z victims remains at the heart of their message.
By Lucky Anyanje