Didacus Malowa, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings over three years of experience covering politics and current affairs in Kenya.

Charlene Ruto has issued a bold call for peace and mutual understanding between Gen Z and older generations, placing millennials squarely in the hot seat for their inaction.

In a statement released Friday, June 20, the first daughter didn’t mince her words as she waded into the inter-generational tensions.

She said millennials, often regarded as the bridge generation between Gen Z and baby boomers, had failed to play their critical role as mediators.

Instead of offering guidance and calm leadership, she argued, they’ve stood on the sidelines as tempers flared and protests turned violent.

"The young leaders have recommended a GENERATIONAL CEASEFIRE. I would partially blame us the Millennials for the endless and senseless conflict between the senior citizens and young GEN-Zs.

We as the older brothers and sisters who understand both generations but have failed to mediate for peaceful coexistence, provide leadership & clarity in tough times and offer our young people guidance on alternatives that don’t necessarily lead to violent riots that only end up deepening wounds, encouraging radicalization and in extreme cases unfortunate loss of life," Charlene wrote.

Her comments come at a time when Kenya is grappling with one of the most vocal and digitally savvy youth-led movements in its recent history.

Gen Z, emboldened by social media and driven by anger over unemployment, inequality, corruption, and unfulfilled promises, have organised online campaigns and even taken to the streets in demonstrations that have sometimes turned chaotic.

Charlene acknowledged the frustration but warned that unchecked rage, whether in the form of cyberbullying, “rage hunting,” or street protests, risked spiralling into something more dangerous.

The first daughter urged both the government and the youth to choose engagement over aggression.

"Violence, revenge, rage hunting, cancel culture, hooliganism, cyber bullying and violent riots will only erode our national culture, radicalise our youth and induce dangerous instability," she cautioned.

Instead, she advocated for structured dialogue and inclusive policymaking that reflects the concerns of the youth while respecting the wisdom and experience of older generations.

Source: TUKO.co.ke