{
  "id": 3913953,
  "title": "Ruto acknowledges failures in handling 2024 Gen Z protests",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/28/ruto-acknowledges-failures-in-handling-2024-gen-z-protests",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-28T06:58:32.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "KahawaTungu",
    "slug": "kahawatungu",
    "url": "https://kahawatungu.com/ruto-acknowledges-failures-in-handling-2024-gen-z-protests/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "President William Ruto recently acknowledged the failures of his administration in handling the 2024 and 2025 Gen Z protests, as well as the anniversary demonstrations that followed. He expressed deep regret that \"no blood should have been shed\" during these events.\n\nInitially, in 2024, Ruto had labeled some protesters as \"treasonous criminals,\" but he has now ordered investigations into deaths, alleged abductions, and instances of excessive force used by security agencies during the protests. These demonstrations were among the most intense confrontations between Kenya's youth and the government, resulting in numerous casualties and injuries.\n\nThe 2024 and 2025 Gen Z protests marked a significant shift in public opinion, with several demonstrators killed and many more injured. Security forces faced criticism for their alleged use of excessive force against peaceful protesters, while others were abducted and remain missing.\n\nIn his recent address, Ruto stated unequivocally that \"no Kenyan should lose their life, liberty or dignity merely for criticizing the government, expressing an unpopular opinion or participating in peaceful demonstrations.\" He emphasized that the loss of life during these protests was never justified.\n\nThis marks a notable change in Ruto's tone, as he previously described protesters as \"treasonous criminals\" during his June 2024 Gen Z protest address. The anniversary protests in 2025 saw the President take a hardline stance, with some remarks appearing to endorse the use of force against violent protesters.\n\nRuto acknowledged the pain and suffering caused by these events, stating that \"I recognize the pain that remains from the events of that period. Some families lost loved ones. Serious allegations were made concerning unlawful arrests, enforced disappearances and the excessive use of lethal force.\" He called for credible investigations into alleged human rights violations, emphasizing that those responsible for wrongdoing must be held accountable.",
  "summary": "President William Ruto acknowledged failures in his administration’s handling of the 2024 Gen Z protests and the 2025 anniversary demonstrations. He said no blood should have been shed during the protests. Ruto, who in 2024 described some of the protesters as “treasonous criminals,” has now directed investigations into deaths, alleged abductions and cases of excessive [...] The post Ruto…",
  "key_points": [
    "President Ruto admits administration's failures in handling 2024 Gen Z protests.",
    "Regrets no bloodshed during events, orders investigations into deaths and abuses.",
    "Acknowledges loss of life unjustified, calls for accountability of wrongdoers."
  ],
  "editors_take": "President Ruto's change in tone and calls for investigations and accountability mark a shift in his administration's approach, potentially altering the government's relationship with its critics and protesters.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}