William Ruto has rapidly become a focal point of public frustration in Kenya, with numerous protests erupting since he took office, indicating rising discontent among citizens. Initially embraced by voters who admired his humble beginnings and ambitious promises, Ruto finds himself at the center of a political storm. Following an alarming series of deadly confrontations with police, where at least 100 lives have been lost since last year due to anti-government protests, citizens are uniting in calls for his resignation.
The president seems baffled by the scale of the backlash, questioning why previous leaders, notorious for their oppressive regimes, were not met with such fervor. His remarks came during a week of particularly violent protests, where he aptly noted the unprecedented extent of public discontent transcending traditional ethnic and class divides. Phrases like "Ruto must go" have become rallying cries symbolic of a nationwide demand for change.
Conversely, Ruto's support base, comprised largely of the Kikuyu community who had overwhelmingly supported him in the elections, appears fractured amidst accusations of betrayal following political conflicts, including the impeachment of his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua. Analysts underscore that the current unrest differs from historical protests of the 1980s and 1990s—this time defiance cuts across all societal divisions, a significant shift in Kenya's political landscape.
Contributing to this unrest is Ruto's communication style that many citizens perceive as disconnected from their struggles, particularly regarding issues like inflation and taxation, which have seen expectations unmet since his campaign. During a recent address, Ruto's controversial comments advocating for police to shoot protesters sparked further outrage instead of calming the situation. Critics argue his administration has alienated itself from the populace, and the socio-political climate continues to deteriorate as he faces accusations of unfulfilled promises.
The dissatisfaction resonates particularly with the youth, who have embraced a leaderless but unified resistance against government actions perceived as oppressive. While Ruto points to government initiatives to address these grievances, including housing and healthcare reforms, the populace feels that these measures are overshadowed by increased taxation without significant improvements.
Political experts warn that unless there is a shift in Ruto’s approach and better engagement with the needs of the people, the citizen discontent could spell further trouble for his administration. With protests continuing to intensify, the question remains whether Ruto can retain his presidency amidst growing turmoil or whether he will go down as Kenya's least popular leader in history.
