Kenya has witnessed a surge in discontent and activism among Gen Z protesters following a pivotal moment on Sunday, June 30, when President William Ruto addressed a nation grappling with recent turmoil. Speaking from State House Nairobi, Ruto faced a barrage of tough questions ranging from alleged secret abductions of protesters to accusations of complicity in violence.
Central to the discussion was the use of excessive force by police, including live ammunition, against peaceful demonstrators. President Ruto, distancing himself from direct responsibility, emphasized his efforts to establish an independent police force aimed at curbing extrajudicial killings.
"I have ensured there are no extrajudicial killings in Kenya," Ruto asserted. "I mandated an independent police service upon taking office, removing their reporting authority from the presidency."
However, tensions escalated as Ruto disputed casualty figures reported by the Kenya National Human Rights Commission, which documented 24 deaths in recent weeks, whereas the President claimed the true toll was 19, dismissing the Commission's findings as falsehoods.
In a contentious moment, Ruto also responded to Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua's allegations of state-sponsored violence by asserting his role as the elected leader representing the people of Kenya, effectively sidelining Gachagua's claims.
Yet, the most emotive exchange occurred over the case of Kennedy Onyango, a 12-year-old boy reportedly shot eight times during the protests. When asked about Onyango's condition, President Ruto appeared out of touch, asking, "Is that boy still alive?"
The president's perceived detachment and the discrepancy in casualty figures have fueled public outrage, with millions of Kenyans expressing disillusionment and calling for Ruto's resignation. The hashtag #RutoMustGo has surged to the top of social media trends, indicating widespread discontent and a growing demand for accountability.
The protests planned for Tuesday, July 2, under the banner of the '7- Days of Justice' movement are set to commemorate those lost and amplify calls for governmental reform. Dubbed the new 'saba saba,' reminiscent of historic pro-democracy protests, the upcoming demonstrations symbolize a collective push for justice and reform in Kenya.