As the crescendo of the #7DaysOfRage protests nears a deafening climax, President William Ruto finds himself at the epicentre of a lethal political storm.
Generation Z, the driving force behind these demonstrations, has unequivocally rejected Ruto's feeble overtures for dialogue, insisting that the time for conversation has passed.The discontent over the Finance Bill 2024 has galvanised a nationwide movement, culminating in the Mother of All Protests (MOAP) set for tomorrow, Tuesday, and ultimately the #OccupyStateHouse march on Thursday, 27th June.
Ruto's Call for Dialogue: Too Little, Too LateIn a bid to quell the unrest, President Ruto extended an olive branch to the youth during a church service in Nyahururu on Sunday. He expressed his willingness to engage with young people over their grievances regarding the Finance Bill. However, the response from the youth has been one of frustration and skepticism. More frustrated are Ruto's factotums, who have now openly taken to drink.
During an interview on Citizen TV’s Sema Na Citizen program on Monday, youth representatives made it clear that they no longer believe in the efficacy of dialogue.
William Gacheru, one of the show's guests, voiced the sentiments of many, stating, "Ruto says that he wants to talk to us but his actions show that he is still opposing us. It’s too late, it’s too late for a conversation."The youth have grown increasingly disillusioned with what they perceive as the Ruto government's inconsistent and repressive actions. Reports of increased police abductions of youth activists since last week's protests have further eroded trust.
Gacheru highlighted the intimidation tactics, saying, "They have tried to intimidate us, recently they tried to abduct Boniface Mwangi and also those who have a large following on Twitter. This is a way of intimidating us for us to keep quiet, but we will not keep quiet we will continue going to the streets."
The Disconnect Between Words and Actions
The youth's discontent is not solely based on the Finance Bill's specifics but also on a broader sense of betrayal by the government.
Esther Gitaranga articulated the growing mistrust, noting, "They are changing the language simply because at first, that is the side that favoured them—being in government, getting resources and being on good terms with the president. But now, they are realising that even the president is starting to listen and to come to terms with what is happening."When the rubber meets the road, hubris leaves through the backdoor!
This sentiment reflects a broader disenchantment with political leaders who appear to switch allegiances and rhetoric for convenience rather than genuine concern for the youth's plight.
The Power of Unity and Self-Sufficiency
Desperation is the mother of all conspiracy theories and wild excuses: Ruto supporters clutch at straws as the regime stumbles towards its inevitable end.
Despite allegations from some politicians that the protests are funded by external sources, the youth maintain that their movement is driven by unity and self-sufficiency. Daniel Moruri refuted these claims, asserting, "We do not have a sponsor; we do not have a leader. If we have a sponsor, who is he sending the money to? What we are doing as Gen Z is coming together to support ourselves."
This self-reliance has been a cornerstone of the protests, and the government is having a hard time coming to grips with it. It emphases a grassroots, leaderless movement, the ultimate polical monster, that resists co-optation by traditional political forces, and has even courted William Ruto's admiration.
A Dramatic Escape: Ruto Flees Nyahururu Church
And in a dramatic turn of events on Sunday, President Ruto was forced to flee a Nyahururu Church to avoid a confrontation with Gen Z protesters.
According to reports by the Daily Nation, anti-Finance Bill demonstrators camped outside Ndururi Primary School, where Ruto was attending a church service. The tension escalated as the protesters chanted "Ruto Must Go" and "Reject the Finance Bill," prompting Ruto's security detail to hurriedly escort him out of the venue.
The scene of Kenya Kwanza leaders scrambling to locate their cars and even jumping into any available vehicle underscored the intensity of the protests. The youths' determination and now legendary ability to outmanoeuvre the police to gain access to the school playground further demonstrated their resolve.
The Road Ahead: MOAP and #OccupyStateHouse
As the #7DaysOfRage enters its final stages, the anticipation for the Mother of All Protests on Tuesday and the #OccupyStateHouse march on Thursday is palpable. The youth have made it clear that their fight is not just against the Finance Bill but for their rights and future. The call for the immediate release of Shadrack Kiprono, alias Shad, whose whereabouts remain unknown after his reported abduction, adds another layer of urgency to their demands.President Ruto's assertion that his government will work with young people to build a better country rings hollow to a generation that feels betrayed. His praise for the youths' peaceful and tribeless engagement, while commendable, fails to address the fundamental disconnect between the government's actions and the youth's aspirations.
A Defining Moment for Kenya's Youth
The Gen Z protests against William Ruto's Finance Bill 2024 represent more than a rejection of a specific piece of legislation; they signify a broader demand for accountability, transparency, and genuine engagement from his administration. As MOAP looms, the youth of Kenya are poised to make their voices unequivocally heard in what could be the most defining moment in the nation's history.
The Ruto government's response in the coming days will be critical in determining whether this movement leads to meaningful change or further entrenches the divide between Kenya's leaders and its next generation. One thing is certain though: the youth have declared they are beyond the talking stage, and their actions in the streets will speak louder than any words exchanged in the halls of power.
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