Protestors gather on Haile Selassie Avenue in Nairobi, on June 24, 2024 © Onesmus Karanja.
▶️ It’s no longer just about the finance bill, Kenyans want fundamental change writes Kari Mungo in a post first published here on Africa Is A Country
The article explains that the people’s movement in Kenya, inspired by the 2010 Constitution, has gained global attention and pressured President William Ruto’s government. The largest protests in decades saw young Kenyans storm Parliament, resulting in deadly clashes with police. These events turned anti-tax protests into demands for government legitimacy and Ruto’s resignation. Using social media, the hashtag #RutoMustGo has been trending.
President Ruto has responded by cutting government spending, eliminating unconstitutional offices, and promising transparency over national debt. Despite these measures, protests have continued, leading to the dismissal of almost all his cabinet and the resignation of the police chief. The movement seeks a total overhaul of governance.
Tragically, 41 people have died, mostly shot or beaten by police. Many have been injured, arrested, or disappeared. Human rights groups are documenting these abuses, but no one has been held accountable yet.
The movement’s anger also stems from the government’s failure to fulfill promises. Only 5% of Ruto’s campaign pledges have been met, while the country faces severe economic challenges, high unemployment, and massive corruption. An auditor-general’s report revealed billions in borrowed money that cannot be accounted for.
Kenyans demand a government that meets their needs and provides jobs. They criticize the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for supporting tax hikes and austerity measures, which worsen living conditions. The movement is not looking for a new leader but seeks the full realization of the democratic vision set out in the 2010 Constitution.
As protests continue, the movement’s strength lies in its ability to organize both online and offline, grounded in the real experiences of Kenyans. Their central demand is clear: President Ruto must go, and they want a government that truly represents the people’s interests.
