Renewed Protests Loom; as Kenyan Youth Demand the Resignation of Ruto.

 July 12, 2024

Protesters in Kenya

Agency Report

On Friday, young Kenyans dismissed President William Ruto’s decision to dismiss most of his cabinet, with some warning of resuming street protests unless he steps down.

Ruto has been attempting to control the fallout from deadly protests against proposed tax hikes. Last month’s peaceful rallies escalated into violence, reflecting widespread anger against his government.

Organized online and primarily led by young, Gen-Z Kenyans, the protests have plunged Ruto’s administration into the most severe crisis of his two-year presidency, forcing him to abandon the finance bill with the tax hikes.

In a recent effort to reduce tensions, Ruto dismissed all cabinet ministers on Thursday, including the attorney-general, except for Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Although the announcement was welcomed by some, it did not satisfy young Kenyans frustrated with Ruto’s failure to fulfill his 2022 election promises to create jobs and improve their fortunes.

“We will be back on the streets until Ruto goes. He has wasted two years in office traveling and telling lies,” said Hyrence Mwangi, 25.

The initially peaceful protests sharply escalated when police fired at crowds storming parliament, ransacking the partly ablaze complex.

While large-scale street protests have subsided, anger against the government remains, particularly towards the police, with rights groups reporting that 39 people were killed in the demonstrations.

“When we first went to the streets, Ruto dismissed us as a bunch of hired goons and criminals, only to come later and start saying he will make changes,” said 27-year-old Jackson Rotich.

Law student Melisa Agufana, 24, said she wanted to “thank the president for listening,” adding that ministers had “wasted two years doing nothing apart from being driven around with our national flag.”

Analysts noted the move offered a possibility for a fresh start but warned of further risks.

“The challenge that Ruto now faces is forming a new cabinet that includes various vested interests, whilst simultaneously calming popular anger,” said Gabrielle Lynch, professor of comparative politics at the University of Warwick.