From rejecting handshakes to embracing inclusivity: Ruto's 2024 shift

President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga. [PCS]

In the run-up to the 2022 General Election, then Deputy President William Ruto stated that he would not be blackmailed into working with his competitor, ODM leader Raila Odinga, if he won.

At the time, Ruto referenced the handshake between Odinga and former President Uhuru Kenyatta, accusing Odinga of frequently 'forcing his way into government.'

"You threatened people in 2017, thinking there would be no elections. After boycotting the election, you blackmailed your way into the handshake government. That was the end of the blackmail, threats, and games you have played," Ruto said during a campaign tour in Turkana on July 9, 2022.

Ruto wins election

Ruto went on to win the presidential election and was sworn in as Kenya's fifth president on September 13, 2022.

Several months after the election, in March 2023, Odinga, now the opposition leader, spearheaded anti-government protests over the high cost of living and alleged rigging in the 2022 vote.

Shortly after, the president invited Odinga for negotiations in an effort to calm the unrest and address the growing political tensions. However, Ruto ruled out any possibility of a power-sharing deal, making it clear that he would not entertain a 'handshake' in the crisis talks.

"These people pressured Presidents Mwai Kibaki and Uhuru Kenyatta into handshakes. They are trying to do the same with me, but they will not get half the government," Ruto said at the time.

Negotiations started, facilitated by bipartisan teams, but the process was slow and frequently interrupted by renewed protests. In the midst of these tensions, the president introduced policies aimed at reducing the cost of living, such as subsidies for fuel and food.

By December 2023, both Ruto and Odinga remained at odds, but the situation calmed somewhat, with protests becoming less frequent.

Finance Bill 2024

A new wave of protests began on June 18, 2024, following the government's introduction of the Finance Bill 2024. This legislation proposed new taxes on items such as internet data, fuel, and diapers, sparking widespread discontent.

This round of protests was notably distinct, as they were primarily led by young people, often referred to as Gen Z, across the country. Utilizing social media platforms like X and TikTok, these young activists organized a movement known as "Seven Days of Rage."

Anita Barasa, a young activist who went viral, addressed opposition leader Raila Odinga saying: “Agwambo, please stay at home; we saw your efforts, we saw everything you did for Kenya. We miss you, but don’t even come outside.”

Despite the intensity of the protests, Members of Parliament (MPs) passed the Finance Bill on June 25. 195 lawmakers voted in favor, 106 against, and three abstained. Opposition leaders withdrew their proposed amendments and rejected the bill in its entirety.

After the Bill was passed, tensions flared and Gen Z protesters followed through on their threat to "occupy Parliament." Odinga expressed solidarity with the young protesters, praising their mobilization and resilience. 

Following the round of protests, Ruto announced that he would not sign the Finance Bill into law and called for its withdrawal. He said he had listened to the views of Kenyans.

Broad-based government

In response to public pressure, President Ruto dismissed his entire Cabinet, except for Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi. This move was intended to pave the way for the formation of a "broad-based government."

Many expected a complete overhaul of the Cabinet. However, the president retained several former ministers and included key allies of opposition leader Raila Odinga in the new government.

This was the first time the opposition had been included in the government since Odinga served as Prime Minister in President Mwai Kibaki's cabinet in 2008.

Defending his decision, Ruto stated that forming a broad-based government would enable the country to progress and ensure diverse input on taxation matters.

"I don't want to be seen as working alone, and that is why I have brought together different leaders to explore ways of raising more taxes and managing debt. This tax does not benefit me personally," Ruto said.