In just under two years in office, President William Ruto has faced a stern test from Kenya's young generation, with recent events exposing deep-seated grievances that have boiled over into nationwide unrest.
Last Wednesday, we witnessed violent protests that tragically resulted in over 20 fatalities and an unprecedented breach of Parliament. Acknowledging the gravity of the situation, a sombre President conceded in a televised address, announcing his decision to withhold assent from the contentious Finance Bill 2024/25, the catalyst for the unrest.
The President swiftly pivoted towards dialogue, inaugurating a national multi-sectoral forum last Saturday. This forum, comprising youth representatives, civil society, religious bodies, academics, and more, aims to address not just immediate fiscal concerns but also systemic issues like unemployment, corruption, and national debt.
To demonstrate commitment, President Ruto unveiled stringent austerity measures on Friday, slashing the development budget by a substantial 200 billion shillings. Proposed cuts extend to presidential and state department expenditures, highlighting a renewed focus on combating corruption.
However, public sentiment remains skeptical. Calls for further austerity, including halting extravagant state renovations and scrutinising lavish budgets, persist among Kenyans who demand tangible accountability and reform. Amidst growing discontent, chants of "Ruto must go" reverberate louder, amplified by social media platforms and grassroots mobilisation.
As tensions escalate, the president faces mounting pressure to address both immediate grievances and restore public trust.
The Gen Z activists, encouraged by recent wins in interrupting political gatherings and seeking fairness for their lost friends, display no intention of backing down.
In the future, President Ruto's skill in managing these difficult challenges and putting in place important changes could shape not just his government's impact but also Kenya's political situation before the next general election in the year 2027.