By C. Perera, JadeTimes News
A Turning Point in Kenya’s Civic Engagement
President William Ruto's willingness to engage in a live audio discussion on X Spaces marked a historic moment for Kenya, occurring just 10 days after deadly anti government protests. The event, however, began on a shaky note with participants struggling to connect and several false starts.
Eventually, the discussion stabilized when Osama Otero, initially expected to host a parallel conversation as a rival, took charge of the president’s interaction. This granted him the authority to decide who could speak. Otero, a prominent voice in the successful campaign against a controversial finance bill, faced backlash from compatriots who labeled him a "traitor" on X, suggesting coordinated efforts to involve protest participants.
The questions posed to President Ruto were direct and unfiltered. Speakers challenged the president on his and his government's record and conduct. Osama Otero set a critical tone by questioning the government's response to the protests and the official casualty numbers, suggesting a much higher death toll than reported. President Ruto demanded evidence of these claims, urging the speaker to present the families and bodies of the alleged victims.
The discussion featured voices like Miller, a cameraman who witnessed a protester being shot outside parliament, and Marvin Mabonga, an unemployed university graduate, both expressing anger and dissatisfaction with the government. The president responded by sharing that he had contacted the mother of a 12 year old shot during the protests near Nairobi.
The event was significant in how it leveraged social media to bring citizens closer to the authorities, providing an unfiltered platform for hard questions. This level of direct engagement with a sitting president was unprecedented in Kenya. While former President Uhuru Kenyatta had deactivated his account on X due to persistent criticism, President Ruto's participation in this forum represented a notable shift.
Kenya's online activism, particularly through Kenyans on Twitter , has previously compelled corporations to issue public apologies. However, the live, one on one engagement facilitated by X Spaces marked a significant evolution, enabling the public to demand accountability directly from their leader. The recent protests have sparked widespread discussions on the country's laws and taxes, enriching public discourse.
President Ruto's X Space discussion peaked at 163,000 participants. While this number might seem small compared to Kenya's population of over 56 million, social media conversations often gain amplified traction on the streets. Ruto's participation in a forum known for its candid and sometimes hostile environment demonstrated his willingness to confront challenging issues head on. This move sets a strong precedent for future Kenyan leaders, highlighting a new era of accessibility and direct communication with the public.
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