NAIROBI, Kenya – On June 25, 2024, Kenya witnessed a dramatic upheaval that many are calling the rebirth of the nation.
This day will be etched in the annals of history as the day when the country’s youth, predominantly the Gen Z generation, rose against the status quo, forcing significant political changes.
It all started with the passage of a controversial Finance Bill by Members of Parliament amidst widespread protests.
The bill, seen by many as oppressive and unfair, sparked outrage across the nation.
Thousands of young Kenyans took to the streets, braving teargas and live bullets fired by police in a bid to quash the protests.
The situation escalated quickly as the youthful protesters, undeterred by the heavy police presence, marched towards Parliament.
The sheer number and determination of the protesters overwhelmed the police, leading to a chaotic scene as security barriers were breached and protesters stormed the Parliament building.
The day was marred by violence, with several protestors shot dead and many others injured.
Some protesters went missing, and while a few have since reunited with their families, others have been found tortured and killed, adding to the grief and anger among the populace.
President William Ruto found himself in a precarious position, struggling to maintain control and seeking to deflect blame.
Initially, he pointed fingers at foreign influences and criminal elements, but the public outcry made it clear that the protests were a genuine call for change from the heart of the nation.
The President’s subsequent actions reflected the seriousness of the situation.
In a bid to quell the unrest and demonstrate his commitment to reform, President Ruto announced a series of changes.
Among these was the banning of state officers from participating in Harambees (community fundraising events), a move aimed at curbing corruption and misuse of public funds.
However, the most significant and unprecedented action was the dismissal of all Cabinet Secretaries on Thursday.
This sweeping purge left only Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi untouched, while Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua remained in his position due to his elected status alongside the President.
This bold move by President Ruto, while seen as a step towards addressing the demands of the protesters, has not entirely satisfied the public.
The call for more profound changes continues to echo across the country.
The President’s next task is to form a new “broad-based” Cabinet, which is expected to include allies of former Prime Minister Raila Odinga.
Odinga, a seasoned politician, has faced backlash for his support of President Ruto and his calls for dialogue.
His supporters, like many Kenyans, are calling for tangible actions rather than endless discussions.
The President’s decision to fire his Cabinet is viewed as a response to the overwhelming demand for accountability and transparency.
“I will immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations and other Kenyans both in public and private with the aim of setting up a broad-based government that will assist me in accelerating and expediting the necessary urgent and irreversible implementation of the program that we have to deal with the burden of debt,” the President said.
However, the memory of the June 25 protests lingers, and the public remains vigilant.
Kenyans are wary of dialogue being used as a stalling tactic, recalling past instances where such talks yielded little to no results.
In the aftermath of the protests, President Ruto also made the significant decision to withdraw the punitive tax bill, a move that came as a relief to many.
Members of Parliament, who had initially supported the bill, found themselves pleading for forgiveness from their constituents.
The swift turnaround underscored the power of public pressure and the importance of listening to the electorate.
Observers say June 25, 2024, marks a pivotal moment in Kenya’s history.
It is a day that showcased the power of unity and the strength of the youth in demanding change. The government’s response, while a step in the right direction, is just the beginning.
More changes are expected in the near future.
“I will immediately engage in extensive consultations across different sectors and political formations, with the aim of setting up a broad-based government that will assist me in accelerating and expediting the necessary, urgent and irreversible, implementation of radical programmes to deal with the burden of debt, raising domestic resources, expanding job opportunities, eliminate wastage and unnecessary duplication of a multiplicity of government agencies and say the dragon of corruption consequently making the government lean, inexpensive, effective and efficient,” the President said.
The Principal Secretaries and other relevant government officials will run the operations of the government pending the establishment of a new Cabinet.
