Ruto’s Bid to Calm Tensions After Anti-Gov’t Demonstrations Now Returns to Haunt Him

In mid-2024, President William Ruto of Kenya faced significant political unrest as widespread anti-government demonstrations erupted across the nation. These protests were primarily fueled by public discontent over proposed tax hikes and allegations of corruption within the administration. In response, President Ruto implemented several measures aimed at quelling the unrest and restoring public confidence.

On July 11, 2024, President Ruto took the unprecedented step of dismissing nearly his entire cabinet, retaining only Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

This move was intended to signal a commitment to addressing the protesters’ demands and to pave the way for the formation of a “broad-based government” that would be more inclusive and responsive to the public’s concerns. ​​

In his address to the nation, President Ruto acknowledged the need for significant reforms, stating that the government would focus on tackling corruption, reducing public debt, and eliminating unnecessary government expenditures. He emphasized the importance of listening to the voices of young Kenyans, who had been at the forefront of the protests, and promised to implement policies that would create job opportunities and improve the overall economic situation. ​​

In a further attempt to demonstrate a commitment to unity and reform, President Ruto appointed several members of the opposition Orange Democratic Movement, led by Raila Odinga, to his cabinet on July 24, 2024. This move was seen as an effort to bridge the political divide and to incorporate diverse perspectives into the government’s decision-making process. ​​

Despite these measures, public skepticism remained high. Many young protesters viewed the cabinet reshuffle and the inclusion of opposition figures as superficial changes that did not address the root causes of their grievances.

The protests, which had been largely coordinated online by tech-savvy young Kenyans, continued with calls for more substantial reforms and greater accountability from the government. ​​

The government’s response to the protests was also marred by allegations of police brutality. Human rights organizations reported instances of excessive force used against demonstrators, including the use of live ammunition, which resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries. These reports further fueled public outrage and undermined the government’s efforts to restore calm.

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