Vijana na Ruto Calls for Accountability, Loyalty and Respect for Presidency

Vijana na Ruto leaders address the media in Nairobi on Monday, August 17, 2026, during a press briefing calling for accountability, loyalty and unity within the party.

By: Gladys Karuga

The Vijana na Ruto National Youth Political Movement has called for greater accountability, political discipline and loyalty within the political establishment, while urging young Kenyans to remain united in support of President William Ruto's development agenda.

In a statement issued in Nairobi on Monday, the youth lobby raised concerns over recent political developments which it said risk undermining respect for national institutions and the office of the President.

The movement particularly criticised remarks attributed to Starehe Member of Parliament Amos Mwago during a political engagement in Nakuru last week, where he allegedly referred to President William Ruto as "taka taka."

Vijana na Ruto said political leaders have the right to disagree with the government and criticise its policies, but maintained that such criticism should be exercised within the limits of political decorum and respect for the Presidency.

The lobby called on National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetang'ula and Majority Leader Kimani Ichung'wah to formally take up the matter in Parliament.

It wants Mwago given an opportunity to clarify on record whether the remarks attributed to him were made. Should they be confirmed, the group wants the MP to publicly and unreservedly apologise to President Ruto and the country before he is next admitted to the floor of the House.

The movement also asked the Speaker's office to treat the matter as an issue of parliamentary decorum, arguing that elected leaders have a responsibility to protect the dignity of Parliament and respect national institutions.

Vijana na Ruto said it had raised the issue because remaining silent over such conduct could create a precedent that gradually erodes the respect attached to the highest office in the country.

The lobby also turned its attention to young Kenyans, urging them to remain informed, organised and committed to holding political leaders accountable.

“We call upon you to hold every leader, regardless of title, region or party, accountable to the mandate they were given,” the group said.

It further urged the youth to reject what it described as political opportunism disguised as principle, while challenging leaders to remain loyal to the people who supported them.

According to the movement, loyalty should not only be demanded from political supporters but should also be demonstrated by leaders who receive the backing of the electorate.

The group said its movement was founded on the belief that young Kenyans deserve leaders who keep their word and remain faithful to their commitments.

It pledged to apply the same standards of accountability and loyalty to itself, the political party and leaders seeking to represent the interests of young people.

“Vijana na Ruto remains committed to a disciplined, accountable and united political movement, where loyalty is honoured, gratitude is remembered and respect to our national institutions, including the presidency, is non-negotiable,” Daragwa said.

The movement maintained that its call for respect should not be interpreted as opposition to legitimate political criticism, but rather as a demand for responsible engagement with the institutions of government.

It also called on parliamentary and political party organs to consider the concerns raised in the statement and act on the specific requests made.

The youth lobby said it would continue monitoring developments surrounding the matter and remain available to clarify its position.

The statement comes against the backdrop of heightened political activity and mobilisation ahead of the 2027 General Election, with youth organisations increasingly taking positions on leadership, accountability and the direction of national politics.