The nationwide protests sparked by the Finance Bill 2024 have unveiled the darker side of President William Ruto's administration, which initially gained power through political rhetoric and populism.
In less than 20 months since taking office, President Ruto's image among many of his staunch supporters has shifted dramatically from being seen as "a man of the people" to being perceived as "a man opposed to the people."
During his campaign, Ruto frequently blamed his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, for the government's failure to deliver services. He made bold promises to uplift the economic prospects of the hustlers, pledging significant improvements within a year if elected.
The recent protests, marked by placards and anti-government chants, underscored the sentiment that President Ruto has failed to fulfill crucial pledges outlined in his election manifesto. Political analysts view these demonstrations as a direct response to Ruto's rhetoric and a culmination of unmet commitments, with the Finance Bill 2024 serving as a tipping point.
Observers argue that the government underestimated public discontent and the mounting anger fueled by stringent policies and taxation measures implemented over the past two years. They suggest that while Ruto's rise to power was fueled by advocating a polarizing economic model, the protests demonstrated a unified front among various societal factions voicing their grievances.
Former Ndaragwa MP Mwangi Gichuki emphasizes the urgent need for the government to prioritize immediate societal needs, citing the concept of praxeology—a science of human action that stresses addressing urgent needs given resource scarcity.
He warns that ongoing corruption and mismanagement of public funds are eroding citizen confidence in governance institutions, potentially leading the country towards anarchy.
The former MP claims the demonstrators were well-educated Kenyans who could investigate government policies actions and budgeting processes and identify those that did not correspond to existing rules and regulations.
According to governance expert Paul Masese, the protests have brought the country into a new chapter of governance, with the masses demonstrating their ability to push the government to rescind punishing tax proposals.
“You do not demonize the citizens when they raise issues touching on their governance. The youths feel betrayed by the government which promised them many things and is now reneging on its pledges,” Masese says
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https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/politics/article/2001498548/where-ruto-went-wrong-on-gen-z-anti-tax-revolt