Kenya’s youth-led protest movement has sent shockwaves through the country’s political landscape, leaving President William Ruto scrambling to respond.
What began as discontent over proposed taxes on basic goods quickly evolved into a nationwide outcry against entrenched political elites and economic hardships.
The protests, marked by clashes with police and widespread demonstrations, have united diverse groups under a common call for political reform.
Critics initially dismissed the protesters as affluent and disconnected, but the movement’s momentum grew, drawing support from across Kenya’s social and geographic spectrum.
Calls for Ruto’s resignation underscored broader frustrations with a political system seen as perpetuating ethnic favoritism and economic inequality.
As tensions escalate, Ruto’s attempts to engage with demonstrators have faltered, prompting a shift in government tactics from conciliation to confrontation.
With protests spreading to over 35 counties, including Ruto’s own stronghold, the movement shows no signs of abating, signaling a pivotal moment in Kenya’s political trajectory.