Youth now call for more protests amid anger over Cabinet nominees

Gen Z protesters match along Moi Avenue in Nairobi during anti-government protests on July 23, 2024. [Boniface Okendo, Standard]

President William Ruto’s address to the nation has received a backlash from the youth, who are now calling for more anti-government demos.

The protesters could again take to the streets today if they make good their #OccupyCBDThursday call, which was trending on social media platforms yesterday.

Over the past few weeks, the young protesters, commonly now known as Gen Z, have sustained a demand for governance reforms.

Their persistent protests have yielded some results, as the President announced a series of measures aimed at addressing their concerns.

In his speech yesterday during the unveiling of the other set of Cabinet Secretaries, President Ruto acknowledged the gravity of the issues raised by the youth, notably corruption and accountability. He vowed to tackle corruption head-on, labelling it a “big concern” that undermines the nation’s progress.

“I will be proposing amendments to the Evidence Act, the Criminal Procedure Code, among other necessary legislative amendments, to all statutes relating to corruption, to expedite the investigation and prosecution of corruption and economic crimes cases and provide for their conclusion within 6 months,” he said.

The President emphasised the importance of holding public officials accountable for their actions.

In a gesture to appease the youth, Ruto also called for the release of all individuals arrested during the demonstrations.

“I urge the criminal justice agencies to take effective measures and ensure people who may have been innocently caught on the wrong side of things be released and charges dropped,” he said.

He also asked the National Police Service to use its mandate professionally, following complaints that the police were using excess force on peaceful protesters, which has led to more than 41 deaths.

“I call on the National Police Service to use its mandate responsibly, professionally and effectively in full compliance with the Constitution with a view of promoting the national objectives of articles 238, 239 and 244 of our Constitution,” Ruto said.

However, the President’s concessions have been met with a backlash after a cross-section of youth went to their social media platforms pushing to go to the streets today. The reappointment of more Cabinet Secretaries who were sacked and the nomination of ODM members appeared to have stoked more anger.

“President Ruto thought he was addressing the nation kumbe he was undressing the nation and now the Gen Zs are more furious,” posted one on X.

Isaac Otieno said the President had been given a chance to redeem himself but has refused to listen to the young generation.

Another youth Evans Kimori wondered why Ruto dismissed his entire Cabinet only to reinstate some.

“The President’s move to bring back the same individuals is either a sign of poor advice or a deliberate disregard for the citizens’ demands,” he said. Some political analysts are warning that ignoring the will of the people could lead to further instability.

“President Ruto’s move to retain the same Cabinet members is a risky gamble,” said Ziro Mwatela.

“He risks alienating a significant portion of the population who are already disillusioned with the current state of affairs.”

In response to last month’s unrest, President Ruto declined to sign the Finance Bill, 2024, returning it to Parliament for revisions. Despite this concession, Gen Z protesters continued their demands, forcing Ruto to announce austerity measures on June 26.

These included elimination of the confidential vote, reduced travel and hospitality expenses, and a 50 per cent reduction in government advisers. Ruto said he would dissolve 47 state corporations and eliminate budgets for the offices of the First and Second Ladies. He said civil servants aged 60 and above would retire, halted non-essential travel, and suspended new vehicle purchases for a year.