Azimio la Umoja coalition leaders have called for President William Ruto's resignation while expressing support for ongoing youth protests in Kenya. Speaking in Meru County on July 7, 2024, Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka praised the young protesters, referred to as "Gen Z," for their continued demonstrations against the government.
Musyoka commended the Senate for backing the austerity measures demanded by the youth, while criticizing the government for corruption and misuse of public resources. He stated that the Azimio leadership stands with the protesters as they commemorate the historic SabaSaba day.
DAP-K party leader Eugene Wamalwa echoed these sentiments, urging for Ruto's ouster and claiming that his reforms are merely superficial attempts to quell public anger. Wamalwa emphasized that the government no longer enjoys the confidence of the Kenyan people.
The protests coincide with the annual commemoration of SabaSaba, which marks the July 7, 1990 nationwide demonstrations that demanded multiparty democracy in Kenya. Those historic protests, led by figures like Kenneth Matiba and Charles Rubia, resulted in over 20 deaths and thousands of injuries but ultimately led to political pluralism in the country.
The current wave of protests has also come at a cost. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reports that 39 people have died and 361 have been injured in the recent nationwide demonstrations.
President William Ruto addressed concerns about misconduct and opulence displayed by some leaders in his administration, which have fueled public anger and contributed to the protests. Specifically, Ruto mentioned having to address the public conduct of Karen Nyamu, though details of this interaction were not provided in the article.
The ongoing protests and political tensions highlight the deep-seated issues facing Kenya's current government, including allegations of corruption, economic challenges, and public dissatisfaction with leadership. As the country continues to grapple with these concerns, the youth-led demonstrations appear to be gaining support from opposition leaders, potentially setting the stage for further political confrontations in the near future.