‘Nane Nane’: The Ultimate Test for President Ruto’s Broad-Based Government as Youth Prepare for Major Protests
President William Ruto’s expansive government project is about to encounter its first significant challenge as the youth prepare for a new wave of anti-government protests on Thursday, August 8, in their ongoing demand for extensive reforms.
The younger generation is organizing what they claim will be the largest demonstration yet, named the ‘Nane Nane’ march, set for Thursday.
They aim to hold the government accountable and push for the ouster of the current administration, leading to a significant confrontation between the government and the protesters.
The youth insist on returning to the streets to fight for their rights, accusing the Kenya Kwanza government of ignoring their concerns and the political elite of exploiting their call for good governance.
The protests, initiated in June, urged President Ruto to curb government excesses, end ostentatious displays by public officials, and tackle corruption.
Additionally, the youth demanded that the President overhaul his administration by dismissing his Cabinet and dismantling ineffective offices to restore public trust in the troubled Kenya Kwanza government.
At a speech on Monday at Toi Market, Mr. Odinga stated that the broad-based government would meet Kenyans’ expectations by including opposition experts.
Claiming that President Ruto sought his help to address the Gen Z protests, the former premier said the President turned to him after his Cabinet failed to meet its obligations.
“We have provided him with experts, and you will now see changes,” said the ODM party leader.
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The protests, which began on June 18, 2024, resulting in at least 60 deaths, were triggered by the contentious Finance Bill, 2024, and have since evolved into a demand for the resignation of the Kenya Kwanza administration.
In response, the Head of State has retracted the controversial bill, dismissed his Cabinet, and vowed to combat corruption.
The upcoming protests, inspired by the historic Saba Saba protests of the 1990s, will test the new government, now including members of opposition leader Raila Odinga’s ODM party.
Thursday’s event will also seek justice for those killed during last month’s demonstrations.
The four senior ODM members in the new government include nominated MP John Mbadi (National Treasury), National Assembly Minority Leader Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), and former ODM deputy party leaders Hassan Joho (Mining and Blue Economy) and Wycliffe Oparanya (Cooperatives and Blue Economy).
Despite President Ruto’s attempts to create an inclusive government by incorporating opposition members and retaining some former ministers, the youth remain dissatisfied.
President Ruto has stated that the revamped Cabinet will drive the necessary and irreversible transformation of the country.
“The broad-based government was necessary for a fresh start. The Gen Z protests highlighted the need to reorganize my administration for inclusivity and development,” the President said recently.
“We will work within the timelines set by Kenyans, and some of these individuals have excellent track records,” he added.
The youth continue to circulate posters on social media detailing the schedule of activities leading up to the march.
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The plan involves mobilizing on platforms like TikTok, WhatsApp, and Facebook by creating and sharing videos, updating WhatsApp statuses, and sharing with contacts ahead of Thursday.
On Facebook and X (formerly Twitter), the youth have been posting and sharing messages about the planned demonstrations to increase awareness.
A song encouraging youth participation in the protests is being circulated on various social media platforms.
“The day is coming when we will show them we have nothing to fear. We can see that they can’t hear….. so we say ah ah ah, tarehe nane tokea,” the song lyrics go.
Despite the President’s stern warning last month over previous protests, saying “enough is enough,” the youth are pressing on with preparations, according to social media posters.
“This revolution belongs to all Kenyans because we are fighting for a better life and leadership for everyone,” the Gen Zs insist.
They argue that leaders failing to fulfill their duties should step aside for the country’s better future.
“The big day is almost here. We will make history together. If the police or military try to stop us, we will not be deterred. We have strength in our numbers and resolve; we will stay firm and peaceful. This is about sustained action,” reads one of the posters.
On Sunday, President Ruto continued to promote his broad-based government, asserting it has created a unique collaboration to unlock the country’s potential.
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He stated that there are no longer two political sides, allowing the government to focus on its development agenda.
“I formed a government that unites all Kenyans because there is no need for bias. Let us come together to build a government that serves the people and promotes development,” said President Ruto.
However, many youths remain unconvinced, demanding comprehensive reforms and a complete overhaul of the current administration to ensure accountability and good governance.
They insist the leadership has failed to heed Kenyans’ voices and are now calling for President Ruto’s resignation to pave the way for a better government.
Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Principal Secretary Dr. Abraham Korir Sing’oei on Tuesday called for strict regulation of what he termed violent protests.
In a statement on X, the PS described the protests, which began in June, as a form of societal pollution.
He argued that such unrest’s repercussions are borne by the private sector, struggling with continuous disruptions.
“Part of the reason to regulate and firmly address violent and chaotic protests is that protesters do not internalize the cost of their actions,” said Dr. Sing’oei.
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“This cost is transferred and borne by someone else—the private sector. Like pollution, violent protests must be regulated before they cause irremediable public cost.”
On Sunday, the Supreme Council of Kenyan Muslims (Supkem) urged the youth to halt the demonstrations, advising them to give the broad-based government time to fulfill its promises.
Supkem chairperson Sheikh Hassan Ole Naado asked the youth to cease the protests and allow the new Cabinet to meet their demands.
“Let the youth end their calls for demonstrations and give the government time to work. Peaceful demonstrations have not occurred, and destruction and deaths are likely as demonstrators clash with security officers,” said Mr. Naado.
‘Nane Nane’: The Ultimate Test for President Ruto’s Broad-Based Government as Youth Prepare for Major Protests
