In just two years since his election, President William Ruto of Kenya has been the darling of global summits. He’s charmed climate activists under the Eiffel Tower, hobnobbed with tech giants in Silicon Valley, and been toasted as a peacekeeper at the White House. Yet, as he racks up frequent flyer miles, his fellow Kenyans at home are grappling with severe economic hardship.
Ruto’s jet-setting lifestyle stands in stark contrast to the realities faced by ordinary Kenyans. While he mingles with international elites, the people back home endure a punishing cost-of-living crisis. The government’s attempt to introduce hefty tax hikes was met with fierce protests, forcing Ruto into a humiliating U-turn.
This abrupt reversal has shone a harsh light on the gap between Ruto’s global image and the grim situation on the ground. Kenya, weighed down by debt, corruption, and security threats, sees a president more focused on international accolades than domestic woes. His administration is now fractured, his opponents emboldened, and the 2027 elections loom ominously.
What They Are saying
Willy Mutunga, Kenya’s former chief justice, delivered a scathing critique: “Enslaved by foreign interests and never truly pro-people, Ruto’s administration is now facing the consequences of its misplaced priorities. The material needs of the youth remain unaddressed, widening the chasm.”
As Ruto flags off 400 policemen to lead a stabilization force in Haiti and speaks at the G7 about reforming the global financial system, Kenyans see a leader out of touch. Protests have erupted nationwide, even in Ruto’s hometown, Eldoret, with calls for his resignation growing louder.
Western powers, meanwhile, risk losing a key ally in Ruto if he shifts his focus to domestic issues. The U.S. has designated Kenya as a major non-NATO ally, a strategic move in countering the influence of Russia and China in Africa. However, this relationship has done little to address Kenya’s internal strife.
Ruto has offered dialogue to placate protesters, but whether this will be accepted, or who these talks would involve, remains unclear. He must also devise a new plan to tackle Kenya’s economic challenges, a tough sell given the deficit cuts required to satisfy international lenders.
Declan Galvin, managing director of Nairobi-based Exigent Risk Advisory, noted, “Even if nationwide demonstrations subside, this civil disobedience marks a generation-defining moment. Ruto must realign his political stance to address public needs for his own survival.”
Despite his reputation for a fierce work ethic, Ruto can’t escape his controversial past, including an indictment by the International Criminal Court for his role in the 2007-8 post-election violence. Gabrielle Lynch, a Kenya expert at the University of Warwick, described him as an “incredible performer,” adept at tailoring his message for different audiences but struggling to shed his image as a parochial instigator of violence.
Why It Matters
In his first 20 months, Ruto embarked on 62 trips to 38 countries, according to Kenya’s Daily Nation. Yet, at home, he appears deaf to the public’s discontent. His opponents have dubbed him “Zakayo,” a Swahili name for a greedy tax collector, reflecting his disconnect with the low-income “hustlers” he once championed.
As protests swell, videos of wealthy politicians flaunting their riches circulate widely, fueling public anger. Homes and businesses of parliamentarians backing the tax hikes have become targets. Opposition member Mutula Kilonzo Jr. criticized the “brazen arrogance” of government officials, which has only stoked the flames of discontent.
The World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) also face backlash, seen as driving Ruto’s fiscal policies. With tax rises off the table, Ruto must find new ways to manage Kenya’s $80 billion debt, around 70% of GDP.
Kenya’s deepening relationship with the U.S. under Ruto’s presidency has attracted foreign investment, particularly from U.S.-based tech firms. However, this mutual admiration may be clouding Washington’s view of Kenya’s internal challenges. Social activist Boniface Mwangi criticized the U.S. for its delayed response to the violence, urging it to leverage its influence over Ruto.
“The U.S. embassy’s calls for restraint came too late,” Mwangi said. “They’ve been charmed by Ruto’s polished exterior but fail to see the iron fist behind the velvet glove.”
Bottom Line
Kenya’s current turmoil underscores the disconnect between President Ruto’s international persona and his administration’s failures at home. As the nation grapples with economic and social unrest, the pressure mounts on Ruto to prioritize the needs of his citizens over global applause.
