The Betrayal of a Generation: How Ruto and Raila Sold Out Kenya’s Youth for Power and Corruption

In the heart of Western Kenya, particularly in Bungoma and Trans Nzoia counties, a storm brews—a tempest fueled by the disillusionment and frustration of the youth. These young Kenyans, once the torchbearers of hope and progress, now find themselves sidelined by a government they perceive as built upon the sacrifices of the innocent—a “blood-based government.” This term, dripping with irony, underscores the bitter sentiment that the current administration’s foundation is stained with the blood of youths who dared to dream of a better Kenya.

The youth of Bungoma and Trans Nzoia feel the sting of betrayal, not just from the national leadership but also from local governance. Devolution, intended to bring power closer to the people, has instead become a theater of incompetence and corruption. Leaders, entrusted with the mandate to uplift their communities, have squandered resources and opportunities, leaving the youth to grapple with unemployment and poverty. This neglect at both county and national levels has festered into a wound that now threatens to rupture.

Their discontent is further exacerbated by the political maneuvers of Raila Odinga, the opposition leader for whom they cast their votes with unwavering hope. The youth argue that their support for Raila was not a blank check for political bargaining but a call for genuine change. His recent rapprochement with President William Ruto’s administration is seen as a betrayal—a dance on the graves of those who paid the ultimate price for justice and equity. The youth’s anger is palpable; they vow to teach Raila a lesson for what they perceive as his greed and disregard for their aspirations.

President Ruto, on the other hand, is viewed as a leader who revels atop the sacrifices of the innocent. His administration’s track record is marred by allegations of corruption and nepotism. The youth accuse him of recycling old guards—leaders disconnected from the realities of modern Kenya—into positions of power, thereby stifling innovation and progress. This recycling of leadership is likened to dressing old wounds with dirty bandages; it neither heals nor alleviates the pain but instead festers the infection.

The youth unemployment rate in Kenya stands as a testament to this leadership failure. According to the World Bank, the unemployment rate for youths aged 15-24 was 64.23% in 2023. However, this statistic only scratches the surface. The Federation of Kenya Employers reports that youth aged 15 to 34, who represent 65% of the population, experience the highest unemployment rate at 77%. This staggering figure reflects a generation left to fend for themselves in an economy that offers little support or opportunity.

In response to this crisis, President Ruto has encouraged the youth to seek employment opportunities abroad. While this may seem like a pragmatic solution, it is, in essence, an abdication of responsibility. Encouraging the youth to emigrate is akin to a farmer advising his starving family to forage elsewhere while he feasts at home. This policy not only strips the nation of its brightest minds but also highlights the administration’s inability to create a conducive environment for job creation within its borders.

Read Also: New HIV Infections Taking A Heavy Toll On Kenyan Youth

The youth of Bungoma and Trans Nzoia are not blind to these realities. They see through the veneer of political promises and are acutely aware of the systemic corruption that siphons resources meant for development. The maize scandal, for instance, implicated leaders at the highest echelons of power, including William Ruto. Such scandals are not just financial misappropriations; they are daggers plunged into the heart of a nation already bleeding from inequality and injustice.

Raila Odinga, once a symbol of resistance against oppressive regimes, now finds himself entangled in the very web he once sought to dismantle. His alliance with President Ruto is viewed as a pact with the devil—a move that prioritizes political expediency over the aspirations of the youth. This alliance is perceived as a betrayal of monumental proportions, akin to a shepherd abandoning his flock to wolves under the guise of seeking peace.

The youth’s grievances are not limited to unemployment and political betrayal. They are also disillusioned by the lack of meaningful representation in governance. The appointment of leaders who are out of touch with contemporary issues is seen as a deliberate attempt to sideline the youth. This exclusion perpetuates a cycle where policies are crafted without the input of those they affect the most, leading to solutions that are neither practical nor sustainable.

Moreover, the youth are dismayed by the erosion of democratic principles. The government’s heavy-handed response to dissent, including the use of excessive force during protests, has created an environment of fear and repression. This approach is reminiscent of a doctor prescribing amputation for a mere sprain—an overreaction that causes more harm than good.

The economic policies of the current administration have also come under scrutiny. The rising cost of living, coupled with high taxation, has made it increasingly difficult for young entrepreneurs to thrive. Instead of fostering an environment that encourages innovation and business growth, the government has imposed policies that stifle initiative and burden the already struggling populace. This scenario is akin to watering a plant with acid instead of nourishing it with water.

Education, once touted as the key to a better future, has become a hollow promise. Graduates find themselves in a saturated job market with limited opportunities, leading to a phenomenon known as “tarmacking,” where degree holders roam the streets in search of elusive employment. This situation is a cruel joke—a marathon with no finish line, where the youth are perpetually runn