For nearly a month, Kenya has been hit by a wave of anti-government demonstrations that have defied efforts by authorities to stop or silence them. Here’s why;
In Summary:
● Protests in Kenya carry on with citizens unanimously faulting Ruto’s government.
● Why now? Should President William Ruto bare the blame?
● The socio-economic implications the protests have on Kenya as a sovereign nation.
What started as an underestimated social media movement has now become a unanimous awakening, posing a significant challenge to the country’s political and economic state of affairs.
While Nairobi glitters with skyscrapers and economic promise, most Kenyans in rural areas and informal settlements around the cities languish in poverty.
Youth unemployment rates are at an all-time high, leaving many disillusioned, desperate and vulnerable to abuse or criminality.
The lack of opportunities for Kenyans over the years has bred a sense of hopelessness. A dangerous mindset; if you ask me.
Tumechoka!
From the days of the Mau Mau uprising against British rule, to the post-independence self-enrichment era marked by political assassinations and oppression, Kenya’s path to democracy has been stained by violence and repression.
This history of oppression, corruption and disregard lingers in the very fabric of our relations. Subconsciously influencing the psyche of Kenyans, to this day.
The Kenya Kwanza governance has so far been characterized as; dishonest, self-centered and in some cases arrogant.
On a number of occasions, public funds meant for development projects have vanished into the pockets of corrupt officials, leaving infrastructure in disrepair and basic amenities inadequate.
Still, officials get a slap on the wrist and are allowed to roam freely flauting the very wealth they stole from us; Unacceptable.
Bring it all down!
Over the years, the evident disregard for the hardships and struggles of the common mwananchi has festered resentment, distrust and a secret appetite for destruction in the hearts of Kenyans.
The sudden urge to burn it all down is not just a hunger for violence but mainly a final manifestation of deep-rooted frustrations and a desperate cry for real change.
Most Kenyans feel betrayed by these same institutions that were created to protect and serve them.
This further reinforces the belief that only by draining the entire swamp, can we flush out the “predators”. No more broken promises, corruption, unaccountability and unchecked powers.
We don’t die, We Multiply!
Furthermore, the excessive use of force by police in dealing with the protestors lately, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has majorly contributed to the death toll of 51 casualties(Number suspected to be bigger).
Such heavy-handed measures only fuel public anger and strengthens the resolve of protesting Kenyans.
As we usher #Maadamano into it’s second month, the trajectory of Kenya’s political and economic future hangs in the balance.
What began as a social media movement has now evolved into a wildfire of unanimous action that threatens to break and/or make Kenya’s economic, social & political status quo.
Historically, this period will mark a pivotal moment in Kenya. The revolution shall be televised. Just be sure to stand on the right side of history before the dust settles; Rudi Nyumbani.
