Gen Z now take on Charlene Ruto

President William Ruto's daughter Charlene Ruto. [Edward Kiplimo, Standard]

Charlene Ruto is having a hard time bonding with Gen Z and other aggravated youth taking part in a revolution against corruption in Kenya.

President William Ruto’s daughter has attempted, on multiple occasions, to state that she understands them and is on their side, but has been met with a general sense of dissociation.

First, at the culmination of the anti-finance bill protests, she seemed to defend her father’s political stance, and this was met with fierce backlash.

On her Instagram bio, Charlene describes herself as “a champion for the young people.” There, she uploaded a sombre-looking picture on June 25, days into the demonstration, accompanied by a lengthy caption.

In the photo, she is dressed in a T-shirt branded “Born In The 90s” paired with African print cargo pants, a look that maybe hoped to convey solidairty with the audience she was addressing.

“I stand at a very unique position regarding the issues facing my country Kenya as we speak,” Charlene wrote.

“As a president's daughter, I have no doubt in my mind, watching my father rise in politics for over 30 years, seeing his work and passion behind the scenes, that he truthfully holds the best interests of Kenyans at heart.”

She added: “As a youth champion, I hear the cry of this generation and give my kudos that we not only care about current affairs but have a stand and are willing to raise our concerns.”

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But Charlene’s post was met with outrage from a section of her followers and social media users.

“Youth champions are out there with the people for a common goal, a youth champion is not sitting on the fence posting weeks later about the Finance Bill telling us how the father has passion yada yada yada,” media personality Lynn Ngugi called her out in a comment.

Also read: My father holds the best interests of Kenyans at heart

Content Creator Esther Kazungu wrote: “Did “his work and passion” include abducting innocent citizens and shooting at peaceful protestors?”

Another popular creator, Shelmie Muliro chimed in: “Heri wewe you’re the president’s daughter. Some of us are fighting because we are the hope of our families!”

The popular comedian Flaqo wrote that he is “disappointed in Charlene.”

“Do you see what is happening in Kenya? People dying left right and center, unarmed, trying to helplessly but bravely voice their will,” he commented.

The post garnered over 12 thousand comments, most of them calling Charlene out and asking her to take a stand against the finance bill and other issues facing the youth and the country at large.

Yesterday, Charlene made yet another attempt to address the youth. She spoke at a press conference accompanied by several student association presidents from different counties, where she held firmly that “she is here for the youth.”

“Thank you to the young presidents for inviting me to be a part of your dialogue,” Charlene said.

“I would like to start my statement by picking up from the second last statement on my last social media post. It’s a statement from our National Anthem, ‘May we dwell in unity, peace and liberty.’”

She went on to explain how the 47 presidents had been contributing in various ways to society, praising their organisation and work towards a common goal.

Charlene followed the briefing with a social media post where she doubled down on her calls for peace and constructive dialogue.

“As I continue to use my platforms to support all young people, I would like us to engage constructively. Let's criticise when necessary, but also propose solutions. Let's be the generation that's known not just for its passion, but for its innovation in governance and civic participation,” she wrote, adding, “I am here to listen, learn and work alongside you. I am here for you.”

And this move too, was not immune to outrage from Gen Z and the youth.

Over on X, Charlene Ruto’s post reached over 1 million people in under 24 hours, with thousands of retweets and comments.

The backlash was unrelenting this time round, with a section of Kenyans on X mocking Charlene’s outspokenness and even hairstyle choices.

“Listen as who? Who elected you? We are already dealing with the stench of politicians, we do not want to deal with their kids too. Spare us the trauma,” wrote one Victor Oria.

Another, Wafula Wanyama wrote: “Charlene please, read the room. You don’t have to be the centre of attention each time.”

Charlene is known for her outspoken nature, as she regularly attends national functions and keeps her social media updated.

“Everyone is entitled to an opinion,” she said. “I am associated [with family] politically, and there are people who love that and people who hate it,” Charlene told The Standard in October 2023, adding, “But that is something that’s a part of who I am. It’s not something I can change. I have embraced it. I pick the good and go with it and leave the bad behind.”