African Awakening: Human Rights Activist Hails Ruto’s Vision for a United and Economically Independent Africa

The Centre for Human Rights and Democracy has strongly praised President William Ruto for his powerful and visionary speech during the African Forward Summit in Nairobi, describing it as one of the strongest voices of African awakening in modern history.

Speaking after the summit, Eldoret-based human rights activist Kipkorir Ngetich said President Ruto demonstrated bold leadership, courage, and determination in championing Africa’s rightful place in the global political and economic arena.

According to Ngetich, the President’s address reflected the spirit and vision of legendary Pan-African leaders such as Kwame Nkrumah, Muammar Gaddafi, Julius Nyerere, and Nelson Mandela, who dedicated their lives to the dream of a united and self-reliant Africa.

Ngetich described the summit as a turning point for the continent, saying Africa must rise from decades of economic dependency, political intimidation, and global marginalization.

“President Ruto’s speech was energetic, focused, fearless, and visionary. It was a clarion call for Africa to reject aid dependency and embrace investment-led growth, institutional strength, agricultural modernization, technological advancement, and intra-African trade,” said Ngetich.

He added that President Ruto’s ability to mobilize African heads of state and leaders to Nairobi demonstrated Kenya’s growing influence and leadership role on the continent.

“For many years, Africa has suffered humiliation, neglect, and exclusion in major global decisions despite being one of the richest continents in terms of human resources and mineral wealth. The time for Africa to reclaim its space globally is now,” he stated.

Ngetich further noted that global political and economic power does not come easily but requires courageous leadership willing to confront impossible challenges for the benefit of future generations.

He praised Kenya’s efforts to establish infrastructure financing mechanisms aimed at making the country more financially independent and self-reliant, saying such initiatives should be replicated across Africa.

“Africa requires visionary and revolutionary leadership capable of transforming poverty into prosperity through entrepreneurship, industrialization, innovation, and technology. The continent’s youth must be empowered and resources mobilized to unlock Africa’s full potential,” he added.

The activist also called on African leaders to reject corruption, dictatorship, tribalism, family rule, and selfish political interests, which he said had weakened the Pan-African dream after independence.

He argued that many African leaders who championed Pan-African unity in the past became victims of foreign interference, economic sabotage, and political intimidation.

Ngetich defended President Ruto against critics opposing his continental agenda, saying leaders who undermine efforts toward African unity and global partnerships are driven by narrow political interests.

“We cannot claim to seek alternative leadership while opposing global unity, regional partnerships, and economic cooperation. Humanity is one family, and the world must work together to address poverty, disease, insecurity, and technological inequality,” he said.

He urged Kenyans and Africans at large to support the President’s vision of positioning Kenya and Africa as strategic centers of global influence, economic transformation, and hope for humanity.

“The ignition key President Ruto has opened for Africa must not be switched off. This agenda deserves support across the continent. Africa’s journey toward economic independence and dignity must continue without fear or apology,” Ngetich concluded.