A youth lobby, Vijana na Ruto, has called on a Nairobi MP to apologise to the nation over remarks he allegedly made against the Executive during an engagement in Nakuru last week.
The lobby, however, said the lawmaker should first be given an opportunity to clarify on record whether the remarks attributed to him were accurate before any action is taken.
In a statement, Vijana na Ruto called on National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang’ula and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah to formally take up the matter within Parliament.
“We therefore call upon the Speaker of the National Assembly Moses Wetang’ula, and the Majority Leader, Kimani Ichung’wah, to take this matter up formally within the House,” the lobby said.
The group said elected leaders have a responsibility to observe high standards of decorum when addressing the President and other national institutions, regardless of their political differences with the government.
“Regardless of political disagreements that may exist between any leader and the Executive, there exists a basic standard of decorum expected of every elected leader when addressing the Head of State,” it said.
The lobby said political criticism was a legitimate part of democratic debate but should not cross into personal attacks against the presidency.
“We wish to state plainly: political criticism is legitimate and protected; personal insults directed at the institution of the Presidency are not,” the statement said.
According to the group, there is a distinction between challenging government policies and making remarks that demean the office of the President.
“There is a difference between challenging policy and demeaning the office that every Kenyan, regardless of political persuasion, is called upon to respect,” it said.
Vijana na Ruto urged the Speaker’s office to treat the matter as one of parliamentary decorum, arguing that failure to address such conduct could set a precedent for similar behaviour among elected leaders.
“We do not make this call lightly. We make it because silence in the face of such conduct sets a precedent,” the lobby said.
The youth lobby also turned its attention to young Kenyans, urging them to remain organised and informed as the country heads towards the 2027 General Election.
It called on young people to support the government’s development agenda while holding all political leaders accountable regardless of their political party, region or position.
The group also urged the youth to reject what it termed political opportunism and assess leaders based on their record and consistency.
Vijana na Ruto said it would continue advocating for what it described as a disciplined, accountable and united political movement, while promoting respect for national institutions, including the Presidency
