Kenya's Remarkable 2024: A Year of Unprecedented Changes and Challanges

Nairobi, 

Tuesday, 31 December, 2024 

McCreadie Andias 

The year 2024 will be etched in Kenya's history as a period of profound political upheaval and societal transformation. From the unprecedented impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to the rise of Gen-Z-led protests, the nation witnessed events that showcased unprecedented political twists and turns, challenged its democratic foundations and highlighted the power of its youth.

Raila Odinga's Bid for AUC Chairmanship

In February 2024, former Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga announced his candidacy for the Chairperson position of the African Union Commission (AUC). 

His campaign gained momentum with a formal launch in Addis Ababa on November 9, where he outlined an ambitious vision for the continent. 

Odinga's candidacy has received robust support from the Kenyan government, with President Ruto actively rallying East African Community (EAC) member states to back his bid. 

During a debate held in Addis Ababa on December 13, Odinga emphasized the importance of inter-Africa trade for economic growth and advocated for Africa to secure two permanent seats on the U.N. Security Council, reflecting the continent's significance in global affairs. 

President Ruto's Historic State Visit to the USA

On May 23, 2024, President William Ruto became the first Kenyan leader in two decades to undertake a state visit to the United States. 

Hosted by President Joe Biden, the visit commemorated the 60th anniversary of U.S.-Kenya diplomatic relations. The leaders engaged in discussions aimed at strengthening commitments to peace, security, economic ties, and democratic institutions. 

This visit was pivotal for Kenya, signaling its strategic importance as a key partner to the U.S. in the Horn of Africa. President Ruto sought to leverage this opportunity to attract U.S. investment and bolster Kenya's position as a regional leader. 

Gen-Z Protests: A Youthful Uprising

In June 2024, as the government introduced the Finance Bill 2024, a wave of protests erupted across the country. Spearheaded by the youth, particularly Generation Z, these demonstrations, known as "Occupy Parliament," began on June 18, 2024, with hundreds gathering in Nairobi to oppose the bill ahead of its parliamentary debate. 

The protests quickly spread from the capital to other regions, reflecting widespread discontent with the government's fiscal policies.

The protesters voiced their concerns over proposed tax hikes on essential products, which they believed would exacerbate the economic hardships faced by ordinary citizens.

The leaderless, digitally organized protests transcended ethnic lines, reflecting a unified demand for accountability and change. 

Despite a severe government crackdown resulting in over 50 deaths, the resilience and determination of these young activists signaled a pivotal shift in Kenya's socio-political dynamics. 

Despite a heavy-handed police response, resulting in numerous arrests and reported fatalities, the demonstrators remained resolute. 

Their persistence yielded a significant victory when President William Ruto, acknowledging the public outcry, refused to sign the Finance Bill, sending it back to Parliament for reconsideration on June 26, 2024. 

Cabinet Dismissals and Reshuffles

The protests and the government's response led to a period of political instability. In July 2024, President Ruto dismissed almost his entire cabinet following deadly protests, retaining only Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. This drastic move was seen as an attempt to quell unrest and restore public confidence in the administration. 

Subsequently, President Ruto reappointed six former cabinet ministers and, in a surprising turn, included members of the opposition Orange Democratic Movement(Hassan Joho, John Mbadi, Dorcas Oduor, Dorcas Askul and Opiyo Wandayi) in his new cabinet. This inclusion aimed to foster political unity and address the grievances that had fueled the protests.

Further on December 19, just weeks after meeting his Predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta, President William Ruto nominated Mutahi Kagwe, William Kabogo and Lee Kinyanjui, allies and of Kenyatta, into his cabinet. 

However, the appointments were met with skepticism, with many viewing them as political tokenism rather than genuine reform.

Impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua

In a historic turn of events, Kenya's Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was impeached following a series of legislative actions that captivated the nation. 

The process commenced on October 1, 2024, when a motion citing eleven charges—including corruption, ethnic discrimination, and policy contradictions—was introduced in Parliament by Kibwezi MP Mwengi Mutuse. 

The National Assembly deliberated and, on October 8, voted overwhelmingly in favor of impeachment, with 281 MPs supporting the motion, 44 opposing, and one abstaining. 

The proceedings then moved to the Senate, where Gachagua pleaded not guilty during sessions held on October 16. Despite his hospitalization for chest pains on October 17, the Senate proceeded with the vote, resulting in his removal from office after upholding five of the eleven charges. 

Following Gachagua's ousting, President William Ruto nominated Interior Minister Kithure Kindiki as the new Deputy President. Legal challenges ensued, temporarily delaying Kindiki's inauguration. 

However, after the High Court lifted the suspension, Kindiki was sworn in on November 1, 2024, at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre. In his address, President Ruto emphasized the importance of national cohesion and urged Kindiki to serve all Kenyans impartially. 

Unity Among Ruto, Raila, and Uhuru

Kenya's political landscape witnessed unexpected shifts in 2024, particularly concerning the relationships among President William Ruto, former President Uhuru Kenyatta, and Raila Odinga. 

On December 9, President Ruto made a surprise visit to former President Kenyatta, sparking speculation about a potential political rapprochement. 

However, key political figures, including Wiper party leader Kalonzo Musyoka, have dismissed the notion of a formal alliance between Ruto and Kenyatta. 

Simultaneously, President Ruto has been incorporating opposition figures into his administration, a move interpreted as an effort to consolidate power amid growing criticism. 

This strategy reflects the transactional nature of Kenyan politics, where alliances are often fluid and driven by immediate political interests. 

This alliance, unprecedented in recent history, sought to calm the unrest and present a united front to address the nation's challenges. However, critics questioned the sincerity and effectiveness of this unity, viewing it as a strategic move to maintain the political status quo.

Human Rights Concerns

Throughout these events, concerns over human rights violations have been prominent. Reports have implicated security agencies in serious abuses, including extrajudicial killings and massive abductions of President Ruto's critics during the protests.

In December alone, 6 youths have been abducted by unknown assailants, alleged to be police officers and their whereabouts are still unknown. The six include a renown cartoonist Kibet Bull who has been creating hilarious Silhouettes of President Ruto while criticizing his policies and moves. Youths have sparked protests demanding the immediate release of the 6. 

The authorities have been criticized for failing to ensure accountability for these abuses, stressing the need for comprehensive reforms within the security sector.

The Aftermath and Future Implications

The events of 2024 have left an indelible mark on Kenya's political and social fabric, some have set the stage for a re-evaluation of governance and democracy in the country.

As Kenya moves forward, the lessons from this tumultuous year stresses the imperative for transparent governance, youth inclusion in decision-making, and the need for genuine political reforms to address the aspirations of its citizens.