President William Ruto appears to have hit the reset button and resumed public life amid a new wave of anti-government youth protests.
The President visited various counties in the Rift Valley Province and Mt Kenya Region on his development tour and also launched projects there.
Meanwhile, the president has shunned promises for a multisectoral dialogue that was due to begin this week aimed at addressing the issues raised by young protesters, and which now remains in limbo.
The Head of State visited Nyandarua and Nakuru counties where he reneged on several promises he made to the youths.
Dr Ruto was addressing a roadside rally, inaugurating a state-of-the-art market in Nakuru and inspecting a Sh280 million bus park and a Sh300 million market under construction in Nakuru. He announced the revival of the “Kazi Mutani” programme rolled out by his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta.
He accused American organisations of sponsoring the ongoing anti-government protests.
He alleged that the group was using the youths to create violence and anarchy in the country, provoking them to change their style or leave the country.
“We know those who are behind the violence. We want to condemn those behind the anarchy in Kenya. Shame on you!” the president told residents of Keringet, south of Kuresoi.
The statement was in stark contrast to one made a week ago, when the group announced plans for a multi-sectoral dialogue aimed at addressing issues raised by Gen Z after their demonstrations.
President William Ruto (left), Deputy President Ligaty Gachagua (right) and Treasurer Chris Kiptoo (back row) take part in a tree planting race at Kaptagat Girls Secondary School in Keiyo South Constituency, Elgeyo Marakwet County, on July 13, 2024.
Photo credit: Jared Nyataya | The Nation
He said the forum, scheduled to be held over six days from July 15 to 20, is mandated to come up with suggestions on the future direction of the country.
“We agreed that we need to bring the country together, and that is why we are organising a multi-sectoral forum dialogue that will bring together 150 participants, 50 of whom will be youth and 100 from the religious community, civil society, political parties and expert groups,” Dr Ruto said.
A few days ago, while interacting with the youth at X-Space, the President had apologised for not listening to the voices of Gen Z protesting against government corruption, incompetence of cabinet officials and other relevant issues.
The Head of State promised to directly address and listen to the issues raised by the youth. He caved in to their demands and refused to give assent to the controversial Finance Bill, 2024.
“I’ve heard you and I’ve heard a lot of Kenyans and I’m very happy that we’re having this conversation,” he said.
This comes after it emerged that the government had secretly gazetted an increase in tax on a litre of petrol and diesel from 18 shillings to 25 shillings, which was reflected in the latest fuel prices published by the Energy and Petroleum Regulatory Authority.
Kenyans at a national engagement meeting last month voiced their opposition to such measures, saying they would further increase the cost of living.
Former Transport Minister Kipchumba Murkomen even promised that the government would explore alternative means of maintaining and developing the road following public outcry.
Addressing the rally from the roof of his car, the president said his government was focused on easing the cost of living but defended another controversial backroom move by his administration to increase road maintenance fees.
Dr Ruto said the levy needed to be increased from 18 shillings to 25 shillings to raise more revenue to maintain roads across the country.
“As a government we have done good things. On the issue of fuel tax, we have ensured that we have sufficient financial resources to address all the roads that need upgrading and are stalled,” the president said.
The reset button was also witnessed in Nyandarua County, where the President opposed a Cabinet memorandum banning state and civil servants from performing harambe in public, citing the tarnished reputation of harambe due to perceptions of corruption and abuse of power.
Dr Root on July 5th instructed that state employees would not be allowed to take part in fundraising or charitable activities.
The directive comes against the backdrop of public anger over politicians spending millions of shillings on fundraising events, with Kenyans questioning the source of the money which has also been linked to corruption.
While hosting a media roundtable at the White House, the president also acknowledged that the “Harambee culture” among politicians needs to be nipped in the bud.
“We need to change the Harambee culture. It started as a noble act. It helped a lot of people go to school, but I think it has gone too far. We have to stop Harambee because it is breeding corruption,” he said.
But the President on Sunday said the Harambee ban would adversely affect church projects and promised to fund the completion of the Ndguino AIPCA Church.
“I have instructed Vice President Ligaty Gachagua and the church leadership to find out how much is needed to complete the church and write a cheque,” Dr Root said.
Interestingly, the Head of State said he was pressured to stop the church’s Harambee by people he did not name.
“There are people who have been pushing for an end to Harambee in churches. So how can churches be built?” he asked.
