Dr. Isaac Newton Kinity’s Warning: Why Gen Z Must Rise with a Leader to Challenge President Ruto’s Grip on Power
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In a recent interview on Vuna FM, Dr. Isaac Newton Kinity, a renowned Kenyan human rights activist and former unionist, delivered a scathing critique of President William Ruto’s administration. His commentary encompassed a range of issues, from alleged governmental overreach to the urgent need for Generation Z (Gen Z) to assume a more structured leadership role in advocating for democratic reforms.
Dr. Kinity expressed deep concern over what he perceives as President Ruto’s systematic consolidation of power. He highlighted the controversial transfer of the presidential seal from the Attorney General’s office, interpreting it as a symbolic move to centralize authority within the executive branch. This action, according to Dr. Kinity, undermines the checks and balances essential for a healthy democracy.
Further, he accused the administration of undermining independent institutions, citing delays in the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) as a strategic move to influence the 2027 general elections. Former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has echoed similar sentiments, accusing President Ruto of intentionally sabotaging the IEBC’s reformation process to manipulate electoral outcomes .
The activist brought attention to the Ndabibi land saga, where President Ruto has been accused of illegally acquiring land. Dr. Kinity urged for a thorough investigation into these allegations, emphasizing the importance of land rights and the rule of law in Kenya’s democratic framework.
Expanding his critique beyond Kenya’s borders, Dr. Kinity condemned the recent treatment of Kenyan and Ugandan activists in Tanzania. Notably, activist Boniface Mwangi and Ugandan counterpart Agather Atuhaire reported being abducted and sexually assaulted by Tanzanian security officers while attending a court appearance for opposition leader Tundu Lissu . Dr. Kinity criticized Kenya’s Foreign Affairs Cabinet Secretary, Musalia Mudavadi, for his silence on the matter, arguing that such incidents demand a robust diplomatic response to uphold human rights standards in the region.
Reflecting on the 2024 Gen Z-led protests against the Finance Bill in Kenya, which resulted in significant casualties and arrests , Dr. Kinity emphasized the necessity for organized leadership within the youth movement. He drew parallels to Bangladesh’s successful student-led revolution in 2024, where 26-year-old sociology student Nahid Islam played a pivotal role in ousting Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and establishing an interim government focused on democratic reforms .
Dr. Kinity argued that while the Kenyan Gen Z movement has demonstrated remarkable mobilization capabilities, the absence of centralized leadership hampers its potential for enacting systemic change. He advocated for the emergence of credible leaders who can articulate the movement’s goals and engage constructively with political institutions.
The activist did not spare other political figures from criticism. He expressed disappointment in Musalia Mudavadi’s performance as Foreign Affairs CS, accusing him of failing to defend Kenyan citizens’ rights abroad. Dr. Kinity also scrutinized former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s formation of the Democratic Congress Party (DCP), suggesting that it serves personal interests rather than genuine political reform.
Furthermore, he lamented opposition leader Raila Odinga’s decision to collaborate with President Ruto’s government, arguing that it undermines the opposition’s role in holding the administration accountable and erodes public trust in political alternatives.
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