Kenya’s President Ruto Faces Unprecedented Public Backlash Amid Economic Crisis
By Basillioh Rukanga | BBC News, Nairobi
Kenyan President William Ruto, who came to power in 2022 promising economic transformation for ordinary citizens, now faces what analysts describe as unprecedented public backlash across ethnic and class lines. With over 100 protest-related deaths in the past year and growing calls for his resignation, Ruto’s presidency has become one of Kenya’s most contentious political chapters.
From Chicken Seller to “Most Hated President”
Ruto’s political narrative was once inspirational – a rags-to-riches story of a former chicken seller rising to the presidency. Campaigning as a “hustler” who understood ordinary Kenyans’ struggles, he won support across traditional ethnic voting blocs.
Yet just three years into his term, newspaper headlines now ask whether Ruto is “Kenya’s most hated president.” Social media trends like #RutoMustGo and #RutoWantam (Ruto for one term) reflect widespread disillusionment.
“The public outcry against this president and regime is both unprecedented and historical,” political analyst Mark Bichachi told the BBC. “It surpasses even the political upheavals of the Moi era.”
Uniting Kenyans in Anger
Remarkably, the protests have united Kenyans across ethnic divisions that have long defined the country’s politics. Recent social media trends like “We are all Kikuyus” – referencing Kenya’s largest ethnic group – showed youth rejecting attempts to frame opposition along tribal lines.
This cross-ethnic anger stems from multiple grievances:
- Soaring cost of living and aggressive taxation
- Perceptions of corruption and elite capture
- Police brutality against protesters
- Broken campaign promises
A Crisis of Communication
Political communication expert Dr. Hesbon Owilla argues Ruto’s communication style exacerbates tensions. “Unlike past governments that made cautious promises, Ruto made sweeping pledges that created unrealistic expectations,” he said.
The president’s recent directive for police to “shoot protesters in the legs” rather than kill them sparked particular outrage. Analysts say such statements personalize national issues, focusing criticism directly on Ruto rather than systemic governance failures.
Economic Pain Points
Key economic grievances driving protests include:
| Policy | Impact |
|---|---|
| 1.5% Housing Levy | Mandatory payroll deduction amid housing shortages |
| 2.75% Health Insurance Tax | Added burden without visible service improvements |
| Fuel and Food Prices | Inflation hitting 9.2% in February 2024 |
While Ruto points to achievements like affordable housing projects and digital job creation, many Kenyans feel immediate economic pain outweighs long-term promises.
Historical Context
Some analysts see parallels with past Kenyan presidents facing crises:
- Jomo Kenyatta: Backlash after political assassinations
- Daniel arap Moi: Resistance to one-party rule and 1982 coup attempt
- Mwai Kibaki: 2007-08 post-election violence
However, Dr. Njoki Wamai notes key differences: “The scale of information spread today is higher due to digital platforms. Kenya’s youth are politically engaged in ways unseen before.”
What Comes Next?
With protests continuing and the government maintaining a hardline stance, Kenya faces uncertain political terrain. As Bichachi observes, “This is a love-hate relationship between people and presidency at its most volatile.”
The coming months will test whether Ruto can regain public trust or whether Kenya’s unprecedented wave of cross-ethnic discontent will reshape its political landscape.
Original reporting by BBC News