Kenya’s President William Ruto, who campaigned as a man of the people during the August 2022 election, is now grappling with widespread domestic discontent and an increasingly tarnished international image. This shift from a celebrated leader to an embattled one has been rapid and dramatic, marked by deadly protests and economic disillusionment among Kenyans.
Domestic Unrest and Economic Discontent
The protests that have rocked Kenya since mid-June 2024 were initially triggered by proposed tax hikes in the 2024 finance bill. However, these demonstrations have since evolved into a broader expression of frustration with Ruto’s top-down governance style and perceived governmental corruption and inefficiencies. The unrest, primarily led by young Gen-Z Kenyans, has resulted in the deaths of at least 60 people, with police occasionally using live ammunition against demonstrators. Additionally, dozens of people are reported missing, as documented by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) and Amnesty Kenya.
President Ruto initially dismissed the protests as “treasonous” and vowed to suppress them “at whatever cost.” This stance only intensified public anger. In an attempt to quell the unrest, Ruto eventually withdrew the finance bill, dismissed almost his entire cabinet, and implemented deep budget cuts. Despite these efforts, activists have pledged to continue their demonstrations, demanding Ruto’s resignation.
Political Missteps and Cabinet Turmoil
Analysts, such as Fergus Kell from Chatham House, argue that Ruto misjudged the depth of the public’s anger and has been scrambling to make amends with a series of haphazard concessions. This crisis has exposed fractures within the ruling party, especially after Ruto reappointed half of his dismissed cabinet and co-opted four significant opposition figures, including those aligned with veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga. This move has opened fissures within Ruto’s administration, with Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua expressing frustrations similar to those Ruto himself experienced during his tenure as deputy to former President Uhuru Kenyatta.
Public dissatisfaction has been further fueled by Ruto’s perceived indulgence in lavish spending despite the government’s financial struggles. His administration’s luxurious spending, juxtaposed with austerity measures impacting everyday Kenyans, has exacerbated the public’s grievances. Ruto’s frequent international travels, including over 60 trips abroad and a state dinner at the White House, have done little to alleviate domestic woes.
International Perception and Economic Challenges
On the international stage, Ruto has sought to position himself as a champion of African climate initiatives and a mediator in regional conflicts, such as those in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo. However, his domestic challenges have cast a shadow over these efforts. Observers like Macharia Munene, a professor at the United States International University in Nairobi, critique Ruto’s leadership as falling below expectations due to a perceived disdain for competence and knowledge.
Kenya’s economic landscape remains fraught with challenges. The country’s debt stands at a staggering $78 billion, and the recent unrest has further dampened private sector activity. Ratings agencies have downgraded Kenya’s credit rating, reflecting the uncertain operating environment. Analysts from Oxford Economics warn that Kenya will remain in a state of limbo until the government provides clear guidance on future policies and reforms.
The Road Ahead
For President Ruto, the path forward involves rebuilding trust among Kenyans and delivering on his campaign promises. Meron Elias from the International Crisis Group emphasizes that Ruto and his administration must repair their relationship with the public and provide a clear timeline for implementing cost-cutting measures and other promised reforms. As Kenya navigates this turbulent period, the focus will be on whether Ruto can overcome these significant challenges and steer the nation towards stability and prosperity.
