- The aftermath of these protests will likely shape public perceptions of President Ruto’s administration, particularly in terms of responsiveness to citizen concerns.
- Ruto's willingness to engage with protesters and acknowledge their grievances may help rebuild trust with segments of society that felt marginalised.
Image: EZEKIEL AMING'A
Kenya has seen an emergent and resolute youth that has been calling their government to order and taking the front seat in self determination of matters that affect them on governance. The youth, popularly referred to as Gen Z (Generation Z), were born between 1997 and 2012.
In Kenya’s political set up and infrastructure, this category of Kenyans is well educated, informed and knowledgeable in matters economy and governance. The generation has literally applied their knowledge in school to call out their government on wanton wastage of public resources and corruption. The youth have also changed the outlook of Kenyan politics in the run up to the next general elections.
These young people have imprinted a mark and have disorganised our linear and conventional approach to politics and governance. In every election year, Kenya is confronted with the ills of tribalism that always rears its ugly face making people vote in a certain way reflecting their ethnicity. This vice has been dissuaded by this new generation that seeks to fully participate in the in fixing the Kenyan nation.
The Gen Zs call for rejection of the Finance Bill and the response by President William Ruto shows how peaceful, tribeless, faceless, leaderless and agenda-based protests can result in positive reaction from their leadership.
Previous protests of the cost of living and other matters in our society have been driven largely by the opposition politicians who mobilise their traditional basses to call out government. The protests always turn violent and lead to loss of lives and property. But for the current situation, the Gen Z mobilised online, coordinated online, made their literature and placards to communicate a coherent and issue based driven agenda.
Their mode of communication was through the popular social media platforms, X (formerly Twitter) and Tik Tok. This proved to be the biggest mobilising factor and the deployment of the latest technological approach.
Zbigniew Brzezinski, the hawkish strategic theorist who was national security adviser to President Jimmy Carter in the tumultuous years of the Iran hostage crisis and the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in the late 1970s identified in 2008 as a “global political awakening”—a sweeping revolution the likes of which we had never before seen.
In his words: “For the first time in history almost all of humanity is politically activated, politically conscious and politically interactive. Global activism is generating a surge in the quest for cultural respect and economic opportunity in a world scarred by memories of colonial or imperial domination.”
Brzezinski further observes that leaderless revolutions grow in perceived voids of leadership at the national and international levels around the globe. Cities, where wealth and knowledge are increasingly concentrated, are the engines of these mass protests. Social media is accelerating and enabling them. We are in a new age of leaderless revolution. The accelerating trendline is clear, and we would be wise to look for its further intensification in years and perhaps decades ahead.
No wonder the first protest saw an emergent category of the population get to the streets and “occupy” the space in one of the most peaceful and nonviolent protests ever witnessed in independent Kenya. They were only armed with placards that communicated their anger on the Finance Bill and phones that used to share the progress of the protest on social media.
In response to the protests President Ruto made a significant decision regarding the controversial Finance bill. Despite initially defending the tax proposals as necessary for economic stability and debt management, President Ruto announced that he will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill.
The President acknowledged the power of the people’s voices, stating that he had listened keenly to their demands and recognised their rejection of the Finance Bill. He emphasised that the protests and public outcry reflected a strong desire among Kenyans to distance themselves from the contentious bill. The president’s change of heart signifies a willingness to heed the concerns of the citizens and address their grievances.
Furthermore, President Ruto pledged to engage with the young people who have been at the forefront of the protests, demonstrating a commitment to dialogue and understanding their perspectives. By acknowledging the legitimacy of public anger and expressing a willingness to make concessions, President Ruto has shown responsiveness to the demands of the youth and broader population in Kenya.
This is a significant shift in President Ruto’s approach, indicating a recognition of the power dynamics at play in contemporary African politics, particularly with regard to youth activism and social media mobilisation. The events surrounding this decision highlight both the challenges faced by leaders in responding to popular discontent and the potential for grassroots movements to influence policy outcomes.
What is the way forward now? The reversal on such a key policy issue underscores both the strength of public sentiment against austerity measures and tax hikes, as well as the evolving dynamics of political engagement in an increasingly digital age. The aftermath of these protests will likely shape public perceptions of President Ruto’s administration, particularly in terms of responsiveness to citizen concerns, respect for human rights, and commitment to inclusive governance. The president’s willingness to engage with protesters and acknowledge their grievances may help rebuild trust with segments of society that felt marginalized or ignored by government policies.
Moving forward, President Ruto faces challenges in addressing broader socioeconomic issues facing Kenya, including high levels of public debt, inflationary pressures, and social inequality. The need for sustainable economic reforms that balance fiscal responsibility with social welfare considerations remains paramount, requiring a delicate balancing act between financial prudence and public welfare.
As Kenya navigates through this period of political turbulence and social unrest, there are several potential paths forward that could shape the country’s future trajectory:
Dialogue and Reconciliation: Emphasising dialogue between government officials, civil society groups, youth activists, and other stakeholders is crucial for fostering reconciliation and rebuilding trust. Meaningful engagement with diverse voices can lead to consensus-building on key policy issues.
Accountability and Justice: Addressing allegations of human rights abuses during the protests is essential for upholding rule of law and ensuring accountability within security forces. Transparent investigations into reported incidents can help restore confidence in state institutions.
Economic Reform: Pursuing comprehensive economic reforms that address structural challenges while safeguarding social protections is vital for promoting sustainable development and inclusive growth. Balancing fiscal discipline with investments in education, healthcare, infrastructure, and job creation can foster long-term prosperity.
The author is the former president of Football Kenya Federation