President William Ruto on Wednesday, June 25, 2025, attended the burial ceremony of Mzee Mung’aro Senior, the father of Kilifi Governor Gideon Mung’aro, in Kilifi County. The somber event brought together several key political figures, including former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, who has been in the Coast region for the past two days.
Ruto’s presence in Kilifi comes against the backdrop of Gen Z-led protests erupting across the country, including in the capital city, Nairobi. Earlier in the morning, President Ruto hosted Sultan Ali Allana, the special envoy of His Highness Prince Rahim Al Hussaini Aga Khan, at State House in Nairobi.
He then flew to Kilifi to join the Mung’aro family and mourners in paying their last respects to the late patriarch. Former Prime Minister Raila Odinga who had addressed youths earlier on, acknowledged the youth-led demonstrations but cautioned the Gen Z protesters against turning to violence.
He emphasized the importance of peaceful engagement and dialogue as the best path to meaningful change. The convergence of national mourning and political tension underscored the complexity of Kenya’s current moment — where leaders are balancing personal, political, and public duties in a time of rising civil unrest.
The coming days are expected to test the administration’s response to the growing youth movement as the country watches closely.
Author: Bashir Juma
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