Imagine you're watching a political thriller. In this scene, the embattled leader, his power slipping through his fingers, turns to his last resort: scapegoating external enemies and flailling for alliances that no longer exist. It’s a classic trope, well-worn by history’s most notorious despots. And now, in a surreal twist, it’s playing out in Kenya, with President William Ruto cast in the lead role.
The Blame Game BeginsToday, Ruto levelled a bizarre accusation against the Ford Foundation, claiming they are behind the so-called "Gen Z revolution." This laughable claim is eerily reminiscent of the tactics used by dictators throughout history. When the walls close in, the blame must be deflected. William Ruto with Alex Soros, son of Ford Foundation founder George Soros
Adolf Hitler pointed to Jews and communists. Joseph Stalin saw enemies in every shadow. Saddam Hussein, facing imminent defeat, lashed out at the West. And now, Ruto blames a philanthropic organisation for the unrest stirring within Kenya’s borders.
The Desperation of a Leader in DeclineLike many before him, Ruto has reached for the olive branch, seeking a lifeline from the Opposition. But in a move that underscores the deepening isolation of his regime, Raila Odinga and the Azimio coalition have rebuffed his advances.
They understand what Ruto seems unable to grasp: this crisis is of his own making. To intervene would be to absolve him of responsibility for the turmoil that has enveloped Kenya.
Gen Z Takes the Stage Ruto’s decision to fire his entire cabinet, including the critical heads of security and defense, as well as the Inspector General of Police, has left his administration naked and in disarray. With no one left to coordinate the response to the protests, the question looms: will the police and military stand down, allowing the protesters to have their day? History offers stark lessons here. When autocrats lose control of their security forces, their regimes often collapse. From Gaddafi to Ceaușescu, the pattern is consistent.
The Crossroads of History As Kenya braces for Tuesday 16th of July, the stakes could not be higher. Ruto stands at a crossroads: will he confront the protesters with force, risking further alienation and possible international backlash, or will he finally read the room and take the back door out? Given his recent posturing and actions, the latter seems unlikely.
In this critical moment, the parallels with past dictatorships are unmistakable. Ruto’s desperate flailing, his scapegoating of external entities, and his isolation from former allies all point to a regime in its death throes. The resilience of Gen Z, coupled with the strategic intransigence of the Opposition, suggests that Kenya is on the brink of significant change.
A Defining MomentTuesday is indeed Tuesday. As the country awaits what could be a defining moment, one thing is certain: Ruto's attempts to deflect blame and cling to power are failing.It is now beyond doubt that Gen Z only fear hot porridge and marriage.
The world watches as Kenya’s future hangs in the balance, and history prepares to judge another leader who, faced with the abyss, chose denial over accountability.
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