30/03/2025
People in Kenya are chanting "Ruto must go" due to widespread dissatisfaction with President William Ruto's leadership and policies. The phrase has become a rallying cry for many Kenyans, particularly since mid-2024, reflecting grievances that have fueled protests and public dissent. The primary reasons include:
Economic Hardships and Taxation: Many Kenyans are frustrated with the rising cost of living, high unemployment, and what they perceive as excessive taxation.
Corruption and Misgovernance: Allegations of rampant corruption within Ruto’s government have intensified public anger. Protesters accuse his administration of mismanaging public funds, prioritizing political elites, and failing to address systemic graft.
Police Brutality and Abductions:
The violent response to protests, including the use of tear gas, live ammunition, and alleged abductions of activists, has been a major flashpoint. Human rights groups report dozens of deaths and hundreds of injuries since the protests began, attributing much of the violence to security forces. This has led to accusations that Ruto’s government is suppressing dissent, further galvanizing calls for his resignation.
Unfulfilled Promises:
Ruto campaigned in 2022 as a champion of the "hustlers" — everyday Kenyans struggling to make ends meet — promising economic empowerment and relief. Critics argue he has reneged on these pledges, with policies seen as benefiting the wealthy and burdening the poor, leading to a sense of betrayal among his former supporters.
Youth Discontent:
The protests, largely driven by Generation Z, highlight frustration among young people who face joblessness and a lack of opportunities. This demographic has been vocal in rejecting Ruto’s leadership, using social media and public gatherings — from streets to nightclubs and stadiums — to amplify the "Ruto must go" chant.
