A Widening Gap: Kenyans, Protests, and President Ruto’s Struggles
There has been a growing disconnect between the people of Kenya and President William Ruto. While protests erupted in 2023 over the high cost of living and a controversial finance bill, the most significant demonstrations occurred in June 2024, driven by widespread opposition to the Finance Bill 2024.
These protests sparked a wave of activism across Africa, with countries like Nigeria, Ghana, and Uganda seeing similar movements being planned. What made Kenya’s protests unique was the innovative approach by the youth. Using platforms like Twitter (X), ChatGPT, and TikTok, they translated the bill into local languages, spreading awareness and rallying support nationwide.
The protests began peacefully but quickly turned tragic as Kenyan police responded with brutal force. There were not only mass arrests but also reports of abductions and extrajudicial actions by law enforcement. On June 25, outraged protesters stormed the Parliament building. There were even rumors of plans to storm State House, although these were not actualized.
What began as opposition to the finance bill soon morphed into calls for President Ruto’s resignation, with the hashtag #RutoMustGo trending heavily on social media. In a surprising move, Ruto hosted a space on X (formerly Twitter) to engage with citizens. Although the protests eventually calmed, the loss of lives and widespread injuries left a lasting scar. Some Kenyans have since vowed to ensure Ruto becomes a one-term president.
Tensions resurfaced recently during a public rally in Migori, where a shoe was thrown at President Ruto as he addressed the cost of living. In the viral video, the President calmly brushed off the dust and continued speaking. The presidency later condemned the act as “shameful,” stating that arrests had been made — a claim reported by CNN and BBC News.
As the 2027 elections draw nearer, one wonders: Was the shoe thrown at President Ruto a sign of deeper public frustration? Or merely an isolated act of defiance?
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