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How Ruto and Raila Sold Out Kenya’s Youth for Power and Corruption

How Ruto and Raila Betrayed Kenya’s Youth in Pursuit of Power

Kenyan youth protest against government policies

The Broken Promise of Kenyan Leadership

In Western Kenya’s Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties, a generation of young Kenyans faces crushing disillusionment with leaders they once trusted. What was meant to be an era of hope and progress has instead become a story of betrayal, as President William Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga prioritize political survival over youth empowerment.

The Blood-Stained Foundation of Power

Youth activists describe the current administration as a “blood-based government” – a bitter reference to the sacrifices made by young protestors who died demanding change. Many feel their suffering has been exploited for political gain, with leaders now comfortably entrenched in power while ignoring the very issues that sparked protests.

Double Betrayal: National and County Failures

The crisis runs deeper than national politics. Devolution, meant to empower local communities, has instead created new opportunities for corruption at county levels. Young Kenyans watch as resources meant for development disappear into leaders’ pockets, leaving:

  • 77% youth unemployment (ages 15-34)
  • Collapsing small businesses
  • Failing healthcare systems
  • Decaying infrastructure

Raila’s Controversial Alliance

Opposition leader Raila Odinga’s recent cooperation with President Ruto has particularly stung his young supporters. Many who risked everything supporting Raila now see his political maneuvers as “dancing on graves” of fallen comrades. This perceived betrayal has sparked vows of political retribution from disillusioned youth.

The Economic Time Bomb

Kenya’s youth crisis goes beyond politics into fundamental economic failures:

Issue Impact
64.23% youth unemployment World Bank 2023 figure for ages 15-24
77% unemployment Federation of Kenya Employers figure for ages 15-34
Ruto’s “export jobs” solution Seen as abdicating domestic responsibility

Systemic Corruption Crippling Progress

From the maize scandal to KEMSA corruption, young Kenyans see leaders enriching themselves while:

  • Graduates “tarmack” for nonexistent jobs
  • Farmers struggle against corrupt middlemen
  • Infrastructure projects crumble from graft

A Generation Reaches Breaking Point

The youth of Bungoma and Trans Nzoia represent a national crisis. Their demands go beyond policy changes – they seek a complete overhaul of Kenya’s political class. As one activist stated: “We can no longer be governed by leaders who build their castles on our graves.”

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