NAIROBI, Kenya (AP) – Kenyans who are dissatisfied with President William Ruto have taken to the streets holding placards that proclaim "WANTAM." This slogan symbolizes their endeavor to label him a "one-term" leader, with demonstrators raising their index fingers and insisting that Ruto should vacate the presidency when his term ends in 2027. For many, even that timeline feels excessive, as some desire his ouster just three years into his presidency.
Ruto, Kenya's fifth president, has seen his popularity plummet within two years after proposing aggressive tax reforms that many view as a betrayal of his campaign promises to support working-class citizens. Although Ruto argues that these new tax measures are essential for government operations, public discontent has grown rapidly.
Protests against Ruto have intensified, with last year's demonstrations being marked by violence, resulting in at least 22 fatalities when protesters attempted to storm and burn Nairobi's parliamentary building. Despite the unrest, Ruto has remained firm, asserting that such incidents will not recur.
However, a new wave of protests has emerged, largely catalyzed by the controversial death of a blogger in police custody. Many citizens see this incident as indicative of widespread governmental malaise, with Ruto firmly in control of both the legislature and security forces. Analyst Karuti Kanyinga notes that while Ruto controls state institutions, he lacks the confidence of the populace, making him possibly the most despised figure in Kenya.
Despite the strong likelihood that Ruto will remain in power until 2027, Kanyinga warns that violence is likely to escalate as disillusioned youth and opposition leaders continue to press for governmental reforms. Protesters are particularly incensed by rampant corruption characterized by public resource theft and the opulence demonstrated by politicians, with some derogatorily referring to Ruto as "Zakayo," a nod to the biblical tax collector Zacchaeus, and others labeling him "mwizi," the Kiswahili word for thief.
Public outrage has further intensified due to ongoing political maneuvers under Ruto’s administration. His controversial decision to annul a potentially beneficial $2 billion agreement with the Indian conglomerate Adani Group has heightened the perception that he is unyielding and disconnected from his constituents. The perception of Ruto as a leader unwilling to listen has resonated deeply with the Kenyan populace, further fuelling unrest.
Despite frequently discussing the need to expand Kenya’s tax base, Ruto's negotiations for new debt arrangements with the International Monetary Fund have sparked criticism, with opponents arguing that any proposed reforms will burden the poor while benefiting the elite. Ruto has publicly stated he does not intend to preside over a "bankrupt country," yet his actions have led many to feel unheard and frustrated.
Voices of youth like Peter Kairu, a 21-year-old student, highlight a prevailing disillusionment with Ruto’s government, particularly concerning corruption and nepotism, with Kairu asserting that real change must come from the people themselves. Eileen Muga, an unemployed resident of Nairobi, expresses her concerns about the dangers of speaking out against the government, demonstrating the pervasive fear that surrounds dissent.
In a recent speech, Ruto vowed he is not going anywhere, suggesting that continued unrest may jeopardize the country itself. His administration has taken a strict stance against protests, with Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen warning that demonstrators will be dealt with harshly.
Historically, Ruto’s journey in Kenyan politics has been marked by a series of strategic maneuverings. As deputy president, he consistently outmaneuvered former President Uhuru Kenyatta, ultimately coming into conflict with him during attempts to reform the bureaucracy. Ruto's controversial rise was solidified by his narrow victory over opposition leader Raila Odinga in the 2022 elections, using a strategy that framed him as a champion of the "hustler nation," appealing to those suffering from widespread poverty and inequity.
As he has now assumed office, Ruto has focused on restructuring Kenya's debt. However, his approach has included unpopular steps such as scrapping fuel subsidies and introducing higher taxes in a contentious finance bill. Legal analyst Eric Nakhurenya comments that Kenyans' anger stems from Ruto's tendency to overpromise and underdeliver, indicating a significant disconnect between his governmental actions and public expectations.
