Young Kenyans Lead a Movement Against Corruption and Injustice Amid Violent Clashes
For weeks, Kenya has been engulfed in protest. Demonstrators, angered by President William Ruto’s tax policies, faced a ruthless response from security forces, resulting in 39 deaths, most occurring in Nairobi on June 25th. Protesters briefly overran Parliament, setting part of it ablaze, and looting broke out in various towns. The government blames opportunist criminals, while protesters accuse state-backed provocateurs.
Unlike previous demonstrations, these are led by young, educated Kenyans, untainted by political or tribal loyalties. Their fight against corruption, injustice, and inequality has united rather than divided the populace. The protests echo those of their parents’ generation, who successfully demanded an end to dictatorship in 1990. The impact of these “Gen Z protests” could be equally significant. Ruto’s administration has been weakened, leading to a retreat on tax policies, but whether this leads to lasting political change depends on future actions.
Ruto’s challenge is to stabilize Kenya’s finances. He inherited a substantial debt from his predecessor and faced rising borrowing costs. His attempt to increase taxes to manage public debt, which stands at 68% of GDP, ignited the protests. Critics have nicknamed him “Zakayo,” after the biblical tax collector Zacchaeus, reflecting public disdain for his fiscal policies.
Kenya’s economic troubles are not unique. Similar to Greece’s financial crisis in 2009, Kenya accumulated debt when borrowing was cheap, ignoring fiscal prudence. Now, with a $2.7 billion budget deficit and the need to cut spending and raise borrowing, Ruto’s legislative agenda appears stalled. His supporters in Parliament face backlash from angry constituents, casting doubt on his political future.
Beyond fiscal grievances, the protests are driven by deeper issues like corruption and unemployment. Kenya’s youth, more educated than ever, face a grim job market, with 67% of those under 34 unemployed. Their frustration is exacerbated by the conspicuous wealth of Ruto’s allies, which starkly contrasts with their own struggles.
John Githongo, a former anti-corruption official, notes that the finance bill was merely a trigger; the real issue is the regime’s extravagant spending. MPs who supported the tax hikes are now pariahs, with their offices, businesses, and homes attacked, and congregations walking out during their speeches.
Protesters demand an end to nepotism and political corruption. Ruto has taken steps, such as cutting state funding for his wife and limiting special advisers, but these may be insufficient. The practice of community fundraising drives, or harambees, encourages corruption, with politicians flaunting their wealth to prove their capability to provide financial support. Ruto’s ban on public officials participating in harambees might not endure, as these drives are crucial for many citizens.
To regain public trust, Ruto must address corruption effectively. Kenyans want their leaders to prevent corruption rather than merely mitigate its effects through charity. If Ruto heeds this call, he might still secure his position and lead Kenya through these turbulent times.
