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OPINION | Why President Ruto needs to make peace with his young citizens

President William Ruto with Principal Secretary for Interior and National Administration, Dr Raymond Omollo. PHOTO/Presidency.

By PATRICK MAYOYO

newshub@eyewitness.africa

At first glance, President William Ruto’s decision to dance to the tune of “Kasongo” during his New Year’s address from Kisii County may seem like a lighthearted moment, a show of relatability and connection to the youth.

“Kasongo,” a song by Super Mazembe released in the early 1980s, has become an anthem for a generation of young Kenyans who, in their frustration with the status quo, have appropriated the song’s title as a nickname for the President.

The act of dancing to this particular song in public, a gesture of camaraderie, carries with it deeper political symbolism.

By choosing to publicly engage with a song that has become a symbol of dissent among the youth, Ruto appeared to acknowledge the criticisms and the youthful discontent that have been brewing over the past year.

However, it is critical to view this moment not just as an attempt to pacify but as a political strategy to frame a narrative. It signaled a pivot in his approach to the youth—moving away from confrontation and towards an effort at reconciliation, even if in a somewhat superficial manner.

The question remains: Does dancing to “Kasongo” signify a realignment of the government’s policies towards the youth, or is it a calculated, public relations move to quell rising tensions?

However, two incidents that happened during burial ceremonies; one in Bungoma during the funeral of National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula’s mother and another during the funeral of the son of former Senator Lenny Kivuti’s son have sent mixed signals.

At the Embu burial ceremony, mourners stopped Public Service Cabinet Minister Justin Muturi, from reading President Ruto’s message of condolences and in Bungoma Kenya Kwanza leaders came up with macabre theories about the ongoing wave of abductions signaling a lack of commitment to end them.

Ruto’s relationship with the youth has been one of mutual support and expectation. In the 2022 elections, the youth overwhelmingly supported him, driven by promises of economic empowerment, job creation, and equitable opportunities. 

Yet, these promises have largely remained unmet, and the disillusionment among young Kenyans is palpable. The “Kasongo” dance, while a catchy moment, raises the broader issue of the government’s failure to address the very real concerns of the youth, exacerbated by the recent surge in digital activism and the heavy-handed government response.

The current wave of abductions, targeting young individuals who have engaged in online criticism of the government, points to a disturbing trend in the state’s reaction to dissent.

The arrests and disappearances of these young people—many of whom have used digital platforms to voice their dissatisfaction with government policies—reveal a chilling attempt to suppress free expression.

These acts of abduction serve as a stark contrast to the democratic ideals the government claims to uphold, particularly in an era where social media has become an essential tool for political mobilization and activism.

President Ruto dancing to the tune of “Kasongo” a song by Super Mazembe released in the early 1980s during his New Year’s address from Kisii County. PHOTO/Screenshot.

The situation in Kenya is not unique. Globally, we are witnessing a growing trend of governments increasingly using coercive measures to quell dissent.

However, what makes the situation in Kenya particularly striking is the apparent emotional reaction by President Ruto and his administration. A leader of a country is expected to rise above petty insults and critiques, treating these as a natural part of governance.

The late President Mwai Kibaki, for example, endured years of verbal attacks and ridicule from opposition politicians and even sections of the media, but he chose to ignore them, focusing instead on his governance priorities and national progress.

His detachment from personal attacks allowed him to maintain credibility and, ultimately, the support of a significant portion of the population.

By contrast, the current administration appears to be struggling with the notion of criticism. Rather than embracing criticism as an opportunity for growth or reflection, there is a visible attempt to suppress it.

The scale of the recent abductions has sent a clear signal to the youth: expressing dissent, especially through digital means, comes with severe risks. This has compounded the sense of hopelessness among the youth, pushing many to a point of desperation.

President Ruto’s actions in handling criticism and dissent raise significant questions about the nature of leadership and the responsibilities of those in power. A President, as the symbolic head of the nation, carries the weight of national unity.

He is expected to be the embodiment of the state’s legitimacy, maintaining the balance between upholding law and order while fostering an environment where free expression can thrive. When a President reacts emotionally to criticism, especially from the youth, it undermines the very principles of democratic governance.

In many democratic nations, leaders face harsh criticism and even personal mockery. Take, for instance, former U.S. President Barack Obama, who, during his time in office, was subject to racially charged insults, conspiracy theories, and public mockery.

Despite this, Obama’s response was one of dignity. He refrained from retaliating against his detractors and focused on his legislative and policy goals. 

Similarly, former President Donald Trump faced scathing caricatures, insults, and satire throughout his tenure, yet he largely ignored them, concentrating instead on his political agenda.

The same principle holds true for President Ruto. A democratic leader must exhibit resilience and strategic calm in the face of criticism.

Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and President William Ruto when they were made Luo elders during the Piny Luo Cultural Festival in Bondo, Siaya County.With them is ODM leader Raila Odinga PHOTO/Presidency.

Rather than focusing on the voices of dissent, which are often loud but not always reflective of the broader population, a leader must direct attention toward concrete policies and actions that address the underlying concerns of the populace.

The youth, particularly those engaged in digital activism, are not merely engaging in idle mockery. They are expressing deep-seated frustrations about unmet expectations.

The promises made during Ruto’s campaign in 2022—job creation, economic empowerment, and the reduction of living costs—remain largely unfulfilled. This gap between expectation and reality has created a palpable sense of hopelessness among young Kenyans. 

For many, digital platforms represent one of the few avenues available for expressing their discontent, and the state’s attempt to stifle these voices only exacerbates their feelings of alienation.

The root causes of the growing discontent among Kenya’s youth are multi-faceted. High unemployment rates, particularly among university and college graduates, and the rising cost of living are central to the grievances.

According to recent data, youth unemployment in Kenya stands at alarmingly high levels, with many young people finding it difficult to secure meaningful employment.

This is compounded by the soaring cost of living, exacerbated by inflation and policies that many view as exacerbating rather than alleviating economic hardship.

Another key issue is the government’s handling of education and university fees. The introduction of new, higher fees has caused widespread protests, particularly among university students and their families. 

The rising costs of education, coupled with the limited opportunities for post-graduation employment, have left many young people questioning the value of their education in an economy that seems to offer little in return.

Furthermore, the government’s promise to allocate 25 percent of government tenders to the youth has remained largely unfulfilled. Many young people, who supported Ruto on the back of these promises, feel betrayed by the lack of tangible progress in creating opportunities for them.

The frustration is compounded by the growing sense that the political elite, including the president and his allies, are disconnected from the realities faced by ordinary Kenyans.

In light of these concerns, it is clear that the government’s approach to handling youth discontent has been inadequate. The ongoing wave of abductions and the suppression of digital activism will not resolve the deeper issues of economic inequality and disillusionment. 

Gen Z riots that rocked the country last June prompted by the 2024/25 Finance Bill. PHOTO/Amnesty International.

Rather, these actions are likely to fuel further anger and resentment among the youth, pushing them further away from the government.

For President Ruto and his administration to regain the trust of the youth, they must adopt a more nuanced and comprehensive approach.

The first step is to address the immediate concerns raised by the youth, particularly those related to unemployment, education, and the cost of living. The 2024/25 Finance Bill, which prompted the Gen Z riots that rocked the country last June that is currently before Parliament, presents an opportunity to introduce policies that can directly address these grievances.

Specifically, the government should focus on creating more job opportunities for young people, revising the university fee structure, and providing more support for digital innovation and entrepreneurship in line with the emerging Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Furthermore, the government must take a step back and reconsider its approach to criticism. Rather than viewing dissent as a threat, the state should embrace it as a vital part of a healthy democracy. 

Engaging with the youth through dialogue and addressing their concerns transparently can go a long way in mending the fractured relationship between the state and its younger citizens.

Finally, the government must take swift action to address the ongoing wave of abductions. The youth must feel that their voices matter, and they must be reassured that they can engage in activism without fear of retribution.

A failure to release those detained and to hold accountable those responsible for these unlawful actions will only deepen the mistrust and alienation between the youth and the government.

The political environment in Kenya today is one of tension and frustration, particularly among the youth. The government’s response to dissent, particularly through abductions and repression of digital activism, has only exacerbated the divide between the state and its young citizens.

President Ruto must ask himself why he has lost the support of the very group that helped propel him to power in 2022. 

There is no serious politician anywhere in the world who can underrate the power of the youth in politics. United Nations studies shows that the youth comprise more than 65 percent of voters globally.

A combination of unmet promises, economic despair, and a heavy-handed approach to criticism has created a perfect storm of disillusionment among the Kenyan youth.

The writer is the Director of Editorial Innovations at Eyewitness Media Group.

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