Deputy President William Ruto defended youths who were arrested for heckling him during his rally in Kisii County on Wednesday, December 8.
In a statement on his social media, Ruto said the youths should not be punished for the action since they were acting under orders from his political opponents.
The DP insinuated that the opponents have been deploying the rowdy youths to all his rallies after the same was witnessed in Laikipia County on Wednesday, December 7.
“Kenyans are by now aware that for the past couple of days, small groups of youths have been deployed to heckle and generally conduct themselves in a disorderly manner during our engagement with the people,” read part of Ruto’s statement.
While defending the youths who were heckling him, Ruto said his Hustler nation camp is accommodative to all, even those with divergent opinions.
“We in the Hustler Nation have an agenda to make Kenya a society that accommodates, supports and benefits everyone without discrimination because we desire that every citizen realizes their aspirations,” he said.
He further promised that his government will provide opportunities for the youth to protect them from being guns for hire.
“I am not satisfied that we are anywhere near involving the youth meaningfully and optimally in our political and policy discourses and engagements,
“The biggest stakeholders of our present and future, the holders of this nation’s promise remain effectively marginalized despite their great numbers and even greater potential,” he added.
While calling for their release, the Deputy President challenged authorities to release the youths or arrest their sponsors too.
“We tell the law enforcers that as long as they are not going to charge the sponsors of this primitive activities, the young people should be spared from the unnecessary harassment and prosecution,” he said.
