Azimio leaders rally for Ruto’s removal, standing in solidarity with protesting Gen Z.

A group of prominent leaders allied with the Azimio la Umoja coalition has called for the resignation of President William Ruto, expressing solidarity with the young Kenyan protesters.

Speaking to the press in Meru County, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka praised the youth, now dubbed Gen Z, for their ongoing protests against the government and encouraged them to continue their fight.

Kalonzo also applauded the Senate for supporting the austerity measures championed by Gen Z, emphasizing that the government is plagued by corrupt individuals who continuously steal public resources. “They carry the spirit of SabaSaba, and as they take to the streets today, I want them to know that the Azimio leadership stands with them,” said Kalonzo.

“The Senate has firmly called for accountability in support of Gen Z’s agenda. The corruption continues unabated—millions are collected with no accountability. The issue lies not in the collection but in the lavish consumption and greed of our leaders.”

DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa added his voice to the call for President Ruto’s ouster, describing the government’s reforms as mere “cosmetics” aimed at quelling public anger.

“Ruto and his government should realize that they no longer have the confidence of the people of Kenya. On this SabaSaba day, we urge Gen Z to keep fighting until ‘Zakayo’ (Ruto) steps down,” said Wamalwa.

The leaders also praised the youth for marking the SabaSaba protests by taking to the streets on July 7 to honor those killed during the protests.

According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), 39 people have died, and 361 have been injured in the nationwide demonstrations.

SabaSaba holds historical significance in Kenya, as it is commemorated annually to remember the events of July 7, 1990, when nationwide protests demanded multiparty democracy. The protests, led by figures like Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia, saw more than 20 people killed and thousands injured. In response to public pressure, former President Daniel Moi’s government eventually allowed political pluralism.