President Ruto came to power in 2022 on the back of a pro-poor campaign. Now, in 2024, he is under immense pressure as protests against his rule have reached an all-time peak.
The trigger for the latest round of civil unrest in Kenya has been a contentious Finance Bill. The bill would've led to higher taxes for a population that was already suffering under the weight of a cost of living crisis and a broken economy with the usual splattering of government elite corruption and excess. Activists and opposition groups rioted in Nairobi and dozens of other cities in late June culminating in the storming of Parliament. The unrest, which continues to simmer, has left 39 people dead.
Ruto, for his part, acted swiftly, refusing to sign the bill into power, sacking his entire cabinet, and opening up social media dialogue with 'the people'. This hasn't assuaged the anger of the street and protests have continued. It appears a new mental barrier has been crossed, a new reality has been created one in which, for many people, Ruto does not feature. The president's time is almost up.
Whether he makes it to 2027 is anyone's guess of course. The protests could splutter and fade but the sense is, this time its different. "Its the economy, stupid" rings true as much in Africa as it does in the US. Without a drastic turnaround, the pressure on the ruling elite will only increase. Persistent instability is likely to follow.
