Ruto Declares “Enough is Enough” Amid Escalating Protests
President William Ruto has declared “enough is enough” following weeks of protests that have claimed over 50 lives across Kenya. Speaking in Bomet County, Ruto emphasized that he has made ample concessions to the “leaderless” Gen Z protests, and any further continuation will only disrupt the nation’s fabric.
“I have said going forward, I will protect the nation,” he stated during a roadside gathering after attending a church service. Ruto accused the Ford Foundation of sponsoring the protests through civil society organizations, a claim the American NGO has dismissed.
Despite Ruto’s firm stance, the Gen Z movement has already released plans for more protests starting Tuesday this week. Ruto has vowed to prevent these demonstrations from proceeding. “I want to promise it is going to stop. Enough is enough,” he said after unveiling a new Cabinet of eleven members, retaining six from the previous Cabinet he dissolved a week ago.
“We will protect life, we will protect property, we will stop the looters, we will stop the killers, we will stop the mayhem, we will stop anarchy because Kenya is a democracy and we want a peaceful, stable nation. Our issues are resolved using democratic means,” the president declared.
The decision to retain some of the Cabinet Secretaries has angered Gen Z protesters, who accuse him of recycling the old guard they want out of power. The demonstrations initially started as protests against the Finance Bill in June, which the president eventually shelved after protesters stormed Parliament on June 25 when it was passed.
“They said we should not pass the Finance Bill, and I dropped it. Then I called them, and they said they didn’t want to come for talks with me. They told me to go to X [spaces], and I went there, but they ran away,” the president said, adding, “Then they told me to call for a national dialogue. I have called for dialogue, and now they have refused. They are still saying they are faceless, formless. I have given everyone a chance to say whatever they want. I cannot continue like this. The country is much more important than any group of people. We must come together as a nation, protect our nation, and ensure that Kenya is a democracy. Anyone who has issues should use the front door and tell Kenyans what they want.”
Azimio leader Raila Odinga on Sunday laid out a six-point action plan that the government must address before he will engage in any discussions with President William Ruto. The latest demands come as Raila faces mounting pressure from some of his allies and Kenyans to boycott the talks with President Ruto.
Key items on the actionable plan include compensating victims of police brutality, dismissing all protest-related cases, releasing all abductees and prisoners, and addressing unresolved issues in healthcare (specifically for healthcare workers) and education (especially for JSS teachers).
Additionally, the plan advocates for returning public healthcare insurance to the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF), eliminating the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), and prosecuting all security sector individuals involved in atrocities against peaceful Kenyans. “Once these issues are resolved, we can focus on a National Conversation and conduct it transparently in a neutral venue,” Raila said.
President Ruto had on July 9, 2024, announced a multi-sectoral national conference aimed at addressing the nationwide protests that have resulted in loss of life and widespread property damage. Despite accusations of opportunism from some quarters, Raila underscored the importance of including diverse stakeholders in the discussions. “It is my proposal that representatives for this convention should come from various sectors, including youth, government, religious leaders, healthcare professionals, lawyers, and teachers,” he said.
President Ruto reiterated his commitment to ending the protests and restoring order in the nation. “Going forward, we will protect the nation, we will protect lives, we will protect property, stop the looters, stop the killers, stop the mayhem because Kenya is a democracy and we want a stable nation,” he said.
The president also criticized the protesters and their leaders for failing to articulate their end game after causing property destruction and loss of lives. “I want to promise you that it is going to stop. Enough is enough,” the president told the public outside the church.
This declaration marks the president’s toughest warning to the protesters since the demonstrations began in June. It also comes days after Ruto made significant changes to his Cabinet and police command, which has further fueled the protests.
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