There is growing anger in Kenya as citizens have issued a 48-hour ultimatum for President William Ruto to step down. They are calling for a new government that promises “transparency, accountability, and good governance.”
The demand for Ruto’s resignation has gained significant traction. A popular statement on Twitter reads, “We no longer recognize William Ruto as the President of Kenya. We recall his presidency and urge him to immediately resign and surrender his office to the Kenyan people.”
This statement has gone viral, reflecting widespread discontent among the population.
Despite President Ruto retracting a controversial finance bill that proposed tax increases, public outrage continues. The bill was intended to address Kenya’s debt of approximately 10 trillion shillings ($78 billion), which is roughly 70% of the country’s GDP. However, it faced fierce opposition from the public.
Ruto emphasized that without the tax increases, there would be a significant funding shortfall for critical development programs, including those supporting farmers and teachers. However, this explanation has not appeased the public.
Kenyans have been struggling with economic instability, rampant corruption, and governance issues. These problems have led to escalating living costs and high unemployment rates, causing widespread frustration.
This frustration has climaxed in protests and a fervent demand for change. Scores of protesters took to the streets, expressing their dissatisfaction with the administration, which they describe as plagued by “incompetence, mismanagement, and a persistent failure to address the nation’s pressing needs.”
In response to the protests, Kenyan police reportedly fired rubber bullets and tear gas at demonstrators. Soldiers were deployed, and roads leading to Ruto’s office at State House and parliament were blocked by police in anti-riot gear, intensifying the situation.
