By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
The recent events compelling William Ruto to abandon his budget may eventually be recognized as a pivotal moment, highlighting the influence of youth on the world's youngest continent. Through the power of protest, largely organized organically on social media, a movement led by young people has pressured one of Africa's most respected leaders to abandon his flagship policy.
It's not that Mr. Ruto now acknowledges he was wrong to advocate for the tax hikes that provoked widespread anger in Kenya. In his national address on Wednesday, he firmly justified the necessity of these measures. He asserted that his government had made tough decisions to stabilize the economy and help Kenya escape a debt trap, which consumes 61 cents of every tax dollar in loan repayments.
The finance bill was crucial, he claimed, to "redeem our country from the discomfort of debt and assert our sovereignty." This makes it even more remarkable that the recent turmoil has forced the beleaguered president to completely change course. Instead of raising additional revenue, Mr. Ruto now plans to balance the budget through a new program of public austerity, which includes significant cuts to spending in his own office, addressing public outrage over perceived corruption and government extravagance.
In an effort to connect with Kenya’s youth, the president promised to engage with and listen to them. Speaking before his MPs, whom he thanked for supporting his bill, many may now question where his U turn leaves their credibility. The last two days have undoubtedly been bruising for the president. His security forces faced widespread condemnation for their brutal response to Tuesday’s demonstrations, which reportedly left at least 22 people dead, several shot by police.
In the aftermath of the protests, Mr. Ruto condemned the criminal elements within the chaos and threatened a strong response to the storming of parliament and widespread looting. However, his policy concession on Wednesday also acknowledged that the demonstrations were a legitimate expression of public anger. "It has become evident," he noted, "that members of the public still insist on the need for us to make more concessions."
"I run a government, but I also lead people, and the people have spoken," he said. Domestically, the question remains whether the public believes that withdrawing Mr. Ruto’s finance bill is sufficient. Some are calling for planned protests to continue, demanding the president's resignation. The coming days will reveal whether public fury can be contained.
Internationally, Mr. Ruto must consider how this crisis has affected his global standing. Several of Kenya’s closest diplomatic allies and the UN Secretary General urged the country to uphold the right to peaceful protest. This pressure may have influenced the differing tones of his speeches on Tuesday and Wednesday. The backlash to the violence by his security forces may shape Mr. Ruto’s response as much as the sight of thousands protesting against him.
Less than two years into his tenure, Mr. Ruto now faces the challenge of rebuilding and regaining momentum. He is left to pursue an economic policy he seemingly does not believe in. Some of Mr. Ruto's opponents may view his message as a statement of intent a lesson learned by a humbled leader. For others, this victory over the powerful could provide fresh motivation to continue challenging his authority.
This episode may also resonate beyond Kenya. While Mr. Ruto’s U turn was driven by more than just youthful anger, he acknowledged that it was Kenya’s youth who sparked the fire. Africa, with the youngest population on earth almost three quarters of its citizens under 35 may see this as proof that with enough determination, young people can make their leaders listen.