Ruto asks for prayers as Kenyan protests enter their fourth week

Following weeks of social media campaigns urging lawmakers in Kenya to abandon a tax increase proposal, hundreds of Kenyans went offline to voice their opposition, claiming that a second tax hike in as many years was unjustifiable. The Kenyan government reacted forcefully, with the measure being passed by Parliament on the same day of the demonstration and at least 41 people being killed by police. The populace’s demands grew more adamant as the government responded harshly.

The tax measures were ultimately dropped on June 27, but protests have persisted, with Tuesday and Thursday set for demonstrations. The main demand of the longest-running protest in Kenyan history is the resignation of Ruto, a hustler who was only two years ago well-liked by younger voters.

The president, who has given in on several fronts over the past two weeks, seems honestly surprised by how rapidly the public’s ire has hardened. He vowed to cut government red tape and disbanded his cabinet on Thursday. Additionally, he has toned down some of the bluster he displayed at an unwise national speech on June 25.

For Kenyans seeking justice for the 41 demonstrators who lost their lives, however, it is too little, too late. The public’s desire to see the police officers implicated in the killings prosecuted for murder has not diminished despite Police Chief Japhet Koome’s departure.

“Koome has resigned, but it shouldn’t end there,” leadership and governance specialist Philip Kisia stated. The Kenya Kwanza government as a whole ought to have submitted its resignation.

Ruto seemed disconnected from the demands of the demonstrators during a church service in Nyandarua, a county located 170 km north of Nairobi.

“I promise Kenyans that I am stronger, fully in control, and will have a very capable cabinet to serve their needs. I intend to establish a national unity government. My government is dedicated to advancing Kenya, therefore please pray for me.

Most people no longer have faith in the government, so those remarks seem hollow to them. Better said, it’s expressed by the youth who supported Ruto over Raila Odinga in the 2022 presidential contest.

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