Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa Tells Ruto: Apologise Through Action, Not Words
Kiambu Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa has challenged President William Ruto to back his apology to Kenya’s youth and East African neighbours with concrete action, rather than words alone.
Speaking a day after Ruto’s remarks at the National Prayer Breakfast held at State House, Nairobi, Senator Thang’wa, a close ally of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, urged the president to demonstrate sincerity by addressing the real issues affecting Kenyans.
“The best way to ask for forgiveness is to do the right thing; uphold the law, compensate, stop excessive taxation, stop weaponisation of government agencies and above all, Skiza Ground (listen to the ground),” Thang’wa stated in a press release on Thursday morning.
During the prayer breakfast, Ruto had extended a public apology to Gen Zs and to the governments of Tanzania and Uganda, acknowledging past missteps and calling for a new era of unity and development.
“To our children, if there has been any misstep, we apologise. To our neighbours, if there has been any misstep, forgive us. We want to build relationships that will move our countries forward,” said Ruto.
The apology followed a powerful plea by the event’s chief guest, Ricky Bolden—a former NFL star and now pastor—who urged Kenyan leaders to acknowledge the pain inflicted on young people during the anti-Finance Bill protests.
“I pray that leaders would apologise to Gen Z for the detainment and shutting down the internet. They respect you, but they don’t feel respected,” Bolden told the gathering.
But despite the presidential statement, backlash has poured in, especially over the tone and wording of the apology. Critics argued that the president’s use of the phrase “if we have wronged you” sounded dismissive.
“The moment you use the word ‘if’ in an apology you erase responsibility for your actions. This is epic insincerity,” wrote one X user, echoing the sentiments of many online.
Senator Thang’wa also questioned the integrity of Ruto’s contrition, pointing out inconsistencies in how forgiveness is applied within his own political party, UDA.
“You ask DEAD Gen-Zs to forgive you? Yet, you cannot forgive others. You cannot even forgive a young Kisii girl called Gloria Orwoba,” said Thang’wa, referencing the controversial expulsion of the Nominated Senator from UDA.
Gloria Orwoba, a vocal advocate for menstrual health and youth empowerment, was recently expelled from the ruling party under unclear circumstances. Her removal sparked debate around the internal democracy within UDA and how dissent is handled.
As the political temperature continues to rise, calls for tangible government reforms are growing louder, with youth groups and human rights advocates demanding not only apologies but also justice, accountability, and policy change.
Whether President Ruto will heed Thang’wa’s call and take decisive steps remains to be seen, but the pressure from within and outside his administration is mounting.
In other news:Nairobi County Closes Habanos Club Indefinitely for Non-Compliance
Senator Karungo wa Thang’wa Tells Ruto: Apologise Through Action, Not Words