JUST IN: Kenya Youths Demand President Ruto’s Resignation, Vow To Hit The Streets
Kenya youths on Friday rejected President William Ruto’s decision to dismiss most of his cabinet, with some threatening renewed street protests unless he resigns.
Ruto has been struggling to manage the aftermath of violent protests against proposed tax increases, sparked by peaceful demonstrations last month that tapped into widespread public anger towards his administration.
Organized online and predominantly led by young Kenyans from Generation Z, the protests have plunged Ruto’s government into its most severe crisis since he took office two years ago, compelling him to withdraw the finance bill containing the tax hikes.
In an effort to ease tensions, Ruto dismissed all cabinet ministers, including the attorney-general, on Thursday, except for Foreign Minister Musalia Mudavadi and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. While this move was welcomed by some, it failed to pacify young Kenyans frustrated by Ruto’s unfulfilled promises to create jobs and improve their economic prospects.
Hyrence Mwangi, 25, declared, “We will return to the streets until Ruto resigns. He has wasted two years traveling and deceiving us.”
Initially peaceful, the protests escalated sharply when police fired on crowds that stormed parliament, damaging the partly burned complex.
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Though large-scale protests have subsided, discontent with the government, particularly towards the police, remains high. Rights groups reported that 39 people died during the demonstrations.
“When we first protested, Ruto dismissed us as hired thugs and criminals, only to later promise reforms,” said Jackson Rotich, 27. “We cannot trust him.”
Melisa Agufana, 24, a law student, acknowledged the president for listening but criticized ministers for “wasting two years doing nothing except riding around with our national flag.”
Analysts view Ruto’s cabinet overhaul as potentially offering a fresh start but caution about ongoing risks.
“The challenge Ruto faces now is forming a new cabinet that accommodates various interests while appeasing public anger,” said Gabrielle Lynch, a professor of comparative politics at the University of Warwick, speaking to AFP.
Last week, Ruto announced significant cuts in government spending, including travel and refurbishment expenses, and indicated plans to increase borrowing to fund essential services amidst Kenya’s substantial foreign debt, equivalent to about 70 percent of GDP.
Moody’s recent downgrade of Kenya’s debt rating further into junk status, with a negative outlook, could complicate government borrowing.
Ruto stated on Thursday that he would “immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations to establish a broad-based government,” without providing further details.
