RUTO PLAYS NICE WITH GEN Z AFTER REPRESSING PROTEST

Kenya’s IMF-backed Finance Bill has met spirited resistance from young people in the country for weeks. This culminated last week with nationwide protests calling to #RejectFinanceBill2024.

The government’s initial response was to disparage the resistance, but now it appears to have made a U-turn, calling for dialogue with Gen Z.

But few young people are convinced by the change of tune. William Ruto’s government has cracked down on anti-Finance Bill rallies, with two protestors reportedly killed by police and hundreds injured, as well as mass arrests. A number of popular influencers promoting the demonstrations were allegedly kidnapped by the authorities.

Gen Z remains defiant, and has pledged to resume its street presence this week until their demands are met.

Are you convinced by Ruto & Co.’s change of tone? Or are they just trying to pacify Gen Z?