Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo, has warned the President of Kenya, William Ruto, to pay close attention to and address the concerns of young people in his nation before things get ugly. Obasanjo gave the warning on Wednesday on a visit to the country. The former head of state said the recent protests in the East African country was a result of poor governance and the anger of young people is like a ticking time bomb that must be treated with care. He further warned of a looming revolution if leaders do not heed the issues facing the youth.
“It’s the beginning and If no adequate attention is paid to the needs of the youth in Africa the autumn will turn to winter and it will be very ugly for all of us,” he said.
Obasanjo was reacting to the recent protests by Kenyan youth over the anti-Finance Bill, 2024 protests.
He said the continent is full of unemployed youths who see nothing but hopelessness.
The former Nigerian President said the only thing you are likely to get from the youth in such circumstances is anger.
Obasanjo added that most youths are also angered by the opulence of the leaders despite the hard economic times Africa faces.
“All of Africa, we are all sitting on the keg of gunpowder because of the youth, and there is virtually no excuse in Africa why the youth are not angry,” he said.
Obasanjo, however, said that this is a good time for Kenyans to come together and rebuild trust and goodwill.
“I believe this is the time for us in Kenya to rebuild confidence, trust, and knowledge of our situation and to develop goodwill so that we can do what needs to be done.”
