Kenya’s President William Ruto Faces Protests Amidst Economic Struggles and Corruption Allegations

Tensions in Kenya are running high as protests continue to pressure President William Ruto to step down, with the country struggling to balance its debt and deal with a population struggling to make ends meet.

On Tuesday, police in Kenya used tear gas to disperse protesters who took to the streets to demand Ruto’s resignation, citing poor governance, corruption, and the deaths of protesters in earlier rallies. The protests, led by activists angry over proposed tax hikes, have become the biggest challenge in Ruto’s two-year presidency.

Despite withdrawing $2.7 billion in tax hikes and replacing most of his cabinet, protests have persisted, although with fewer people participating. The demonstrations have called for a nationwide "shutdown" and have become increasingly violent, with over 40 people reported dead, according to rights groups.

Ruto’s response to the crisis has been criticized, with the president accused of failing to address the root causes of the protests. In a surprising move, Ruto accused the Ford Foundation of funding the protests on Monday, but provided no evidence to back up his claims. The Ford Foundation denied the allegations, stating that it does not fund protests and maintains a non-partisan policy.

The president had also announced talks to address protesters’ concerns, but these discussions have yet to begin. Many activists have refused to participate, demanding immediate action on corruption and other issues. Ruto’s spokesperson declined to comment on the situation.

Kenya is struggling with debt, with over 30% of its revenue being used to pay interest. The country faces pressure from lenders to cut deficits while dealing with a population suffering from high living costs.

As the crisis continues to unfold, international attention is focused on Kenya’s economic struggles and the impact on its people. The situation is a stark reminder of the challenges facing the African continent, where corruption, debt, and economic inequality continue to be major issues.

Key Facts:

• President William Ruto is facing pressure to step down due to protests and economic struggles
• Kenya is struggling to balance its debt, with over 30% of its revenue being used to pay interest
• Over 40 people have died in protests, according to rights groups
• The Ford Foundation has denied claims that it is funding the protests
• Many activists have refused to participate in talks with Ruto’s government, demanding immediate action on corruption and other issues