As Kenya marks the one-year anniversary of the deadly anti-tax protests that shook the nation, President William Ruto has come out swinging—delivering a defiant message to critics calling for his resignation.
Speaking in Meru on Saturday, Ruto dismissed opposition leaders as “lacking vision,” accusing them of relying on slogans instead of real solutions. “Ask them what their plan is for health, agriculture or education—and all they’ll say is ‘Ruto Must Go,’” he said. “I am not the kind to be threatened or intimidated.”
But across Kenya, emotions are running high ahead of Tuesday’s remembrance march—an event aimed at honouring those killed during the June 25, 2024 protests, when anger over new taxes and rising costs spilled into the streets. That protest turned violent, ending with the storming of Parliament and a harsh crackdown by police. Several lives were lost. Countless others were left injured.
In response, Ruto’s government walked back portions of its controversial finance bill and reshuffled his cabinet in an attempt to cool public outrage. Still, resentment has lingered—and for many, the wounds remain raw.
Now, as civil society groups and victims’ families prepare to take to the streets once again, they are urging police to show restraint and allow peaceful demonstrations. Yet there are fresh fears: just last week, a bystander was reportedly shot and killed during a protest against police brutality. Days earlier, the death of a teacher while in police custody sparked further outrage.
Activists warn that a repeat of last year’s chaos could happen—especially with unverified reports that politically aligned “goons” may be deployed to disrupt the remembrance march.
Meanwhile, Ruto remains resolute in the face of mounting pressure. Dismissing growing chatter of a one-term presidency, he told the Meru crowd: “They want to intimidate me out of office. It won’t work.”
But even as he speaks with confidence, analysts say the president faces a delicate balancing act. Kenya’s economy is still under strain, unemployment remains high, and trust in state institutions is being tested daily.
As June 25 draws closer, all eyes will be on the streets—on the protesters calling for justice, on the police sworn to protect them, and on a president trying to steady a nation in turmoil. For many Kenyans, this moment isn’t just about the past—it’s about the future of their democracy.
