Declaring that “legitimate” demonstrations against his policies had been “hijacked by a group of organized criminals,” he issued a warning that his government would stop at all costs to ensure that the violence never happened again.
“Today’s events mark a critical point in how we respond to threats to our peace,” he stated. “We will ensure a situation of this nature does not recur again.”
The president’s speech was an attempt to regain control following several days of increasingly powerful and numerous public demonstrations. They became worse on Tuesday, leaving hundreds injured and at least five people shot dead.
Longer term, meanwhile, those close to Mr. Ruto must be afraid that things might not be as clear-cut and that difficult decisions may still need to be made.
After running for office in 2022 on a platform of eliminating corruption, bolstering the flagging economy, and aiding the impoverished, the beleaguered Mr. Ruto is currently facing an unprecedented uprising against a bill that he claims is a crucial component of his vision for the country.
If the resistance Mr. Ruto is up against was limited to the members of parliament, it might be simpler to discern which way to turn.
