Home Politics Ruto’s main fear exposed ahead of Saba Saba protests

Ruto’s main fear exposed ahead of Saba Saba protests

It is the thought that the Gen Z movement could carry into the 2027 election and vote him out that is giving Ruto sleepless nights. Sacrificing his allies to meet their demands might only make things worse.

by David Nthua
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Tomorrow, fresh Saba Saba demonstrations are set to erupt across the country, with youth-led protests showing no signs of slowing down.

According to The Sunday Nation, President William Ruto and his inner circle are caught in a dilemma on how to contain a movement that has no leader, no formal structure and no appetite for dialogue.

What began as a rejection of the 2024 Finance Bill has grown into a national wave of discontent. The Gen Z movement, mostly composed of young Kenyans under 35, has evolved into a powerful political and cultural force.

Despite Ruto’s move to dissolve his Cabinet and invite opposition leaders into his fold, the youth remain unmoved. Their demand remains clear. Ruto must go.

President William Ruto in Kisumu. Photo: The Star Source: X

Professor David Monda, a political analyst based in the US, believes Ruto is stuck. “He cannot call for dialogue without giving legitimacy to Gen Z’s grievances. But ignoring them only makes things worse,” he said. “Even if he sacrifices Cabinet secretaries, the youth will still want more. At the end of the day, all fingers point to State House.”

The President has tried to reach out, including holding an X-Space conversation last year. He also proposed a multi-sectoral forum to bring everyone to the table. But Gen Z is not interested. “We no longer need dialogue,” said Mavin Mabonga, a social media activist. “We have one demand. Ruto must go.”

Analysts say the President is now relying on tough state power to respond. Police crackdowns have become more aggressive.

But instead of scaring the protestors, they have only made them more defiant. The torching of Mawego Police Station after the killing of Albert Ojwang in June was a sign that even police stations are no longer safe from public anger.

Kitui Senator Enoch Wambua says Ruto has failed to read the room. “He wants to please everyone.

He keeps close his allies who the public wants out. He adds more advisors after promising to reduce them. He revives harambees despite vowing to end them,” the senator said.

Governance expert Javas Bigambo adds that Gen Z is different from traditional opposition groups. “They do not want sweet talk. They want results. And they are using digital tools to document every promise Ruto makes and breaks,” he said. He recommends evidence-based communication from government departments as the only path forward.

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