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Sunday Roundup - Betrayal in the City: The Fizzling Out of the #RutoMustGo Movement as Government Infiltrates Popular Uprising. What Next?

In recent months, Kenya has witnessed a dramatic political saga that saw the rise and subsequent decline of the #RutoMustGo movement. This grassroots campaign, primarily driven by Gen Z activists, has captured the world's imagination, but has also faced numerous setbacks, most notably due to the infiltration and manipulation by state apparatus, specifically the National Intelligence Service (NIS). The Genesis of the Movement The #RutoMustGo movement emerged as a potent force against President William Ruto's corrupt administration, arising out of the resistance to his dead-in-the-water Finance Bill 2024. It gained significant traction among the youth, who are disillusioned by rampant corruption, economic mismanagement, and increasing authoritarianism under William Ruto. The movement's demands are clear: the resignation of President Ruto and his entire cabinet. NIS Infiltration and the Abductions The initial momentum of the movement was abruptly halted by a series of abduct
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Weekly Roundup: #RejectFinanceBill2024 Week 2 Ends in Utter Humiliation and a Well-Earned Climb-Down for William Ruto at the Hands of "Posh Kids"


Meet Major (Rtd) Geoffrey Kigen who retired from the Kenya Army in 2014 and joined Kenya Power as a security manager. On Tuesday 25th of June, he resurfaced at Parliament Buildings, armed with an AK-47 assault rifle. He is the leader of William Ruto's killer squad executing peaceful protesters.

Ruto Resignation, MPs’ Pay Cuts: Gen Zs Unveil Fresh Demands As Protests Take New Life
Over the past week, the anti-Finance Bill 2024 protests have evolved, taking on a new life with fresh demands from Kenya’s Gen Z. The original rallying call was to reject the Finance Bill, but as the protests continued, a broader call for accountability and significant political change emerged.
President William Ruto has faced intense pressure, culminating in his humiliating climb-down over the Finance Bill. This shift signals a significant victory for the protesters and a testament to the power of sustained civic action.

A Nation's Outcry: From Finance Bill to Broader Demands
The protests against the Finance Bill 2024 began with a focus on rejecting new taxes that would burden Kenyans further. However, the delayed response from President Ruto and his administration opened the floodgates for a wider range of demands. The protesters, particularly the youth, have made their voices heard on various platforms, pushing for comprehensive political and social reforms.

Fresh Demands from Gen Z
Leading the charge are Kenya’s Gen Z, whose demands have expanded to include:
  • Resignation of President William Ruto: This is at the top of their list, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction with his leadership.
  • Obeying Court Orders: The Executive is urged to comply with all court rulings and dismantle the Chief Administrative Secretary (CAS) position, which has been deemed illegal and illegitimate.
  • Eliminating Public Funding for Unconstitutional Offices: Protesters demand an end to public funding for the offices of the First Lady, Second Lady, and Prime Cabinet Secretary’s Spouse, suggesting these funds be redirected to hire teachers and doctors.
  • Scrapping the Housing Levy: They call for transparency in the use of funds and refunds for contributors.
  • Integrity in Government: Immediate dismissal of officials with criminal records or integrity issues.


  • Educational and Healthcare Investment: Employing Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers and intern doctors, and reinstating the school feeding programme.
  • Salary Caps for MPs: Limiting MPs' salaries and allowances to Ksh. 200,000, arguing they should not earn more than doctors.
  • Efficient Use of Resources: All government officials should utilise public transport to curb wastage.
The Turning Point: Ruto's Concession
After days of mounting pressure, President Ruto announced the withdrawal of the Finance Bill. This move, however, is too little too late for many Kenyans, who see it as merely the first step towards broader systemic change.

Azimio's Threat to Take Ruto Back to the ICC
In a dramatic escalation, Azimio la Umoja has threatened to take the government’s response to the protests to the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Several deaths, injuries, and abductions have been reported, and the youth-led demonstrations have often turned violent, leading to clashes with security forces.

Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka has accused Ruto's government of committing atrocities against Kenyans, and he vowed to document every case for international scrutiny.
A Nation at a Crossroads
Kenya finds itself once again at a critical juncture. The demands of the Gen Z protesters reflect deep-seated frustrations with corruption, inefficiency, and lack of transparency in government. The Finance Bill protests have morphed into a broader movement for justice and accountability, highlighting the populace's growing impatience with the status quo.

The Path Forward
The withdrawal of the Finance Bill and the ongoing protests indicate that Kenya’s youth are not backing down. The government's next steps will be crucial in determining whether these demands lead to meaningful reforms or further unrest.
For now, Kenya's citizens can claim a victory in their fight against corruption and ineffective governance. However, the journey towards a more accountable and transparent political system continues.
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