Frustration and Denial: Decoding President Ruto’s Chilling Warning to Protesters

 In a recent article buried deep within a local daily, an unusual observation was made: President William Ruto appeared “frustrated” when addressing the ongoing protests led by Kenya’s Gen Z and other citizens. The statement is striking, considering it refers to the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, the head of state. Is there truth to this claim? Let us analyze.

President Ruto’s recent speech contained ominous undertones. “I want to promise you that there will be no more protests. They’re going to stop. Enough is enough,” he declared, vowing to crush what he termed the tyranny of “anonymous, faceless, formless sponsors.” His words come amidst an unprecedented crackdown on peaceful protesters exercising their constitutional rights.

Kenya has witnessed alarming levels of state brutality in response to demonstrations. Unarmed protesters have been abducted, many remain missing, while others face dubious charges. The level of aggression has surpassed even the harshest years under former President Daniel arap Moi, raising fears of what more could be done under Ruto’s regime.

Despite the threats, Gen Z and other protestors remain undeterred. Their resolve is fueled by the knowledge that the future belongs to them—not to Ruto’s generation or mine. These young Kenyans fight for their future in a country that has irrevocably changed. Yet, Ruto’s administration appears either unwilling or unable to grasp this reality.

One of the hallmarks of the 2010 Constitution is the right to peaceful assembly. However, the government has attempted legal acrobatics to undermine this right, arguing that protests disrupt others and are thus unconstitutional. But disruption is the very nature of protests—it’s how change is demanded. The Constitution protects these rights, yet the government persists in suppressing them, fueling more frustration among the youth and activists.

The president’s speech also reflects a deeper psychological state: denial. Historically, regimes nearing their end exhibit similar behaviors. They issue threats, fail to adapt to changing realities, and cling to outdated strategies. Sudan’s former dictator, Omar al-Bashir, issued threats to protesters shortly before being overthrown and jailed. Ruto’s defiance appears to follow a similar script.

Denial is a common reaction when faced with the collapse of long-held power structures. Ruto and his advisors behave as though Kenya remains unchanged, but the ground reality tells a different story. The country has evolved, and the younger generation is leading the charge for accountability and justice.

A look back at past protests highlights this denial. In 2023, the government issued similar warnings during demonstrations led by Raila Odinga and Azimio la Umoja. Yet, it wasn’t the government that stopped the protests—it was the opposition itself, opting for dialogue that yielded little tangible results.

Today, economic hardship remains a driving force behind the unrest. The cost of living has skyrocketed, taxes have increased, and the promises of reforms remain unfulfilled. Ruto’s administration appears increasingly cornered, its credibility eroding with every passing day.

In my opinion, the Ruto regime has entered the fourth stage of a terminal political condition, marked by denial and desperation. The protests, spearheaded by Kenya’s youth, signal a shift in the nation’s consciousness. While the regime clings to the past, the future belongs to a generation unwilling to accept the status quo.

As the struggle for a better Kenya continues, one truth becomes evident: change is inevitable. And when it comes, it will be driven by the resilience and determination of those who refuse to give up on their country.