How Ruto’s Strategic Alliance with Raila Quelled Protests, But Skepticism Lingers
Groups of young protesters defied authorities, leading to a shutdown in Nairobi as President William Ruto’s recent political strategies seemed to be effective, leaving the rest of the country calm on Thursday, August 8.
Gen Z protesters had called for a massive demonstration, the ‘Nane Nane’ march, to demand government accountability and push for the current regime’s ousting.
However, the highly anticipated protests fizzled out in most regions, with youths in areas like Coast, Nyanza, and Western Kenya refraining from taking to the streets.
In previously active protest areas like Kisii, the situation remained calm, with political analysts attributing the loss of momentum to a deal between President Ruto and opposition leader Raila Odinga.
In Nairobi, clashes between protesters and police led to the closure of businesses as President Ruto swore in 19 new cabinet ministers, including four from Mr. Odinga’s Orange Democratic Movement (ODM).
President Ruto appointed John Mbadi as head of the National Treasury and Economic Planning, Hassan Joho as CS for Mining and Blue Economy, Wycliffe Oparanya for Cooperatives and MSMEs, and Opiyo Wandayi as Energy Cabinet Secretary.
The sound of gunfire and tear gas filled the central business district as police set up roadblocks on major highways to prevent protesters from entering the city.
Significant concessions by the president, such as the withdrawal of the 2024 Finance Bill and the dissolution of the cabinet, have also defused the protests, which peaked on June 25 when youth demonstrators stormed parliament.
The government has also cracked down on political figures accused of organizing and mobilizing the protests.
Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and Embakasi Central MP Benjamin Mejja Donk, both allies of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, were questioned about their alleged involvement in the protests.
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However, on Tuesday, August 6, the High Court issued an order preventing their arrest or detention by the police.
Authorities have also intensified efforts against individuals accused of ‘commercial activism.’ Several have been arrested and others charged for their roles in the protests, with civil society groups also under scrutiny for allegedly facilitating the demonstrations.
Gossipa2z.com has discovered that a financial institution flagged suspicious cash inflows believed to have been used to fund the protests.
Additionally, President Ruto is reportedly receiving timely and accurate intelligence, which has been crucial in countering the protests.
On Monday, August 5, Mr. Odinga, while speaking at Toi Market, stated that the government would address the concerns of the protesting youths by enhancing governance and service delivery. “We have provided experts, and you will now see things change,” the ODM party leader said.
A political analyst noted that Mr. Odinga’s significant influence cannot be ignored, suggesting that his involvement may be a key factor in the protests’ decline, although other dynamics are also at play.
“The situation is complex. There is a sense of infiltration by other players, causing some youths to withdraw from the protests. The Raila factor is significant as he has a large following, which may explain the lack of protests in traditionally active regions,” said Prof Munene.
In the Coast region, youths in Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale avoided protests, with many viewing the appointment of Mr. Joho and Salim Mvurya as CSs as a positive step for the region.
“We are pleased with Mr. Joho’s swearing-in this morning, and we plan to pursue other avenues to secure a greater role in government. With Joho, we know we can achieve more,” said Salima Hussein, a resident of Mombasa.
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Some Gen Zs view the former Mombasa governor as one of their own and now feel more connected to President William Ruto’s government.
On Lamu Island, Gen Z protesters expressed confidence in the new team of Cabinet Secretaries sworn in on Thursday, opting to celebrate rather than picket.
“We’ve decided to celebrate the swearing-in of Hassan Ali Joho as CS for Mining, Blue Economy, and Fisheries instead of protesting. He’s from the Coast and an artist. We believe his inclusion in President William Ruto’s cabinet will drive the Kenya Kwanza government to fulfill its promises,” said Mohamed Omar, a prominent Gen Z protester in Lamu Old Town.
Prof Munene also suggested that concerns about what would happen if President Ruto were removed from office have slowed the protests.
Dr. Oburu Oginga, Mr. Odinga’s elder brother, recently stated that the country is better off with President Ruto than with Mr. Gachagua as head of state.
“Though they are both flawed leaders, Gachagua is unapologetically shameless and has openly declared the country a shareholding entity,” he said during a press conference in Kisumu on July 14.
Democratic Action Party of Kenya (DAP-K) Deputy Party Leader Ayub Savula noted that the lack of a unified agenda to rally the youths contributed to the protests losing momentum.
“The president has addressed most of their demands, leading to a decline in protests,” said Mr. Savula.
ODM Nairobi Chairman George Aladwa, who is also the Makadara MP, urged the youths to give the President and his new Cabinet time to serve the people of Kenya. Mr. Aladwa emphasized that the President has listened to the youth and met some of their demands, including the withdrawal of the Finance Bill, 2023.
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“The President’s decision to disband his Cabinet was a goodwill gesture in response to the youths’ demands. We cannot solve the country’s challenges by protesting daily,” said Mr. Aladwa.
Jubilee Secretary General Jeremiah Kioni, however, considered the protests a success, accusing the police of using excessive force against protesters, violating the constitution. He argued that the deserted capital city was a clear sign of public rejection of President Ruto’s administration.
“The people have completely rejected this administration. Despite the use of excessive force, the protest was still a success. The city was entirely shut down,” said Mr. Kioni.
Prof David Monda, a university lecturer and political analyst, expressed skepticism about the lasting impact of the political deal between President Ruto and Mr. Odinga in addressing the protesters’ concerns.
“Remember, the Gen Z protests reflect broader societal issues such as poor governance, corruption, lack of transparency, and accountability. The Raila/Ruto deal seems like a secretive political compromise between two politicians aiming to calm the ongoing unrest,” said Prof Monda.
“To make matters worse, what was supposed to be a ‘vetting’ of cabinet nominees has exposed the deep-rooted corruption in the system. Ruto’s new cabinet is valued at nearly Sh15 billion (about $120 million), with many nominees unable to justify the rapid accumulation of their wealth,” he added.
How Ruto’s Strategic Alliance with Raila Quelled Protests, But Skepticism Lingers
