The Growing Discontent: Is Ruto Kenya's Least Favored President?

Since his inauguration, Kenyan President William Ruto has encountered mounting disapproval, leading to intensified protests and calls for his resignation. Analysts suggest this widespread discontent is unparalleled in the country's political history, uniting diverse groups against his administration.

Kenya's President William Ruto, initially hailed as a beacon of hope, is now grappling with an unrelenting tide of public discontent that some analysts suggest is unparalleled in Kenya's political history. Riding into power with promises of improved living standards, Ruto's presidency has instead been marred by protests and growing resentment among Kenyans who feel betrayed.

Frustrated by the backlash, Ruto recently questioned why previous leaders like Daniel arap Moi, who ruled with an iron grip, did not face similar outrage. His remarks, however, have done little to quell the growing storm against his administration. Analysts describe the current wave of anger, which has resulted in the deaths of at least ten individuals in the past year, as an unprecedented phenomenon that transcends ethnic and socio-economic boundaries.

Barely a year into his presidency, widespread protests erupted, with many Kenyans demanding Ruto's resignation, chanting slogans such as "Ruto must go." The once-promising leader, who portrayed himself as a representative of the common man, now faces accusations of disconnect from the populace he aimed to uplift.

Social media has become a battleground for expressions of discontent, with the phrase "We are all Kikuyus," reflecting a rejection of Kenya's ethnic divisions, becoming widely shared among the youth. This sentiment marks a significant departure from traditional ethno-political loyalties that have long characterized Kenyan politics.

Political analyst Mark Bichachi emphasizes that the current opposition to Ruto does not conform to ethnic lines. Instead, it represents a widespread sentiment across urban and rural communities alike, marking a historical level of dissatisfaction. Dr. Njoki Wamai, an academic, notes that while criticism of leaders is not new during crises, the scale of today’s dissent is exacerbated by the rapid spread of information among Kenya's digitally connected youth.

Despite Ruto's previous pledges to support ordinary citizens, the rising cost of living, harsh taxation, and police brutality have exacerbated tensions. Recent calls for non-violent protest methods, met with harsh police crackdowns, have only further alienated Kenyans. Experts argue that the government's heavy-handed response has deepened public outrage, with over 100 deaths attributed to anti-government protests since mid-2022.

Political communication expert Hesbon Owilla points out that Ruto's promises shifted the political discourse from ethnic mobilization to issue-based concerns. However, the unmet expectations fuel a sense of disillusionment among citizens. Ruto’s recent statements, including provocative remarks about policing protests, have drawn significant ire, reinforcing perceptions of him as out of touch.

While Ruto highlights various government initiatives aimed at job creation and improving public welfare, many Kenyans feel the benefits have not reached them. Increasing taxes, coupled with stagnant living conditions, have led to widespread frustration, and there is little patience among citizens for improvements they feel should be underway.

As protests continue to erupt, political analysts warn of a potential tipping point if the government fails to address the growing unrest. What began as high hopes for Ruto’s leadership has morphed into a struggle against a regime perceived as disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary Kenyans.