VOICES OF RESISTANCE
Written by John on July 1, 2025
Kenya has been witnessing a powerful political and social shift. What started as a youth-led resistance against President William Ruto’s government, especially over the controversial Finance Bill 2024, has grown into a national movement, cutting across age, class and even political loyalty.
The seeds of resistance were planted in mid-2024, when the Finance Bill 2024 was introduced. The government led by President William Ruto, proposed painful taxes on basic commodities, fuel, digital content and even sanitary products. For a country already battling high unemployment, economic inequality and soaring living costs, the bill felt like a betrayal, especially to the youth.
From TikTok to the streets, from Gen z to seasoned politicians, one message is now echoing loudly across the country: “Wantam”. The resistance against President William Ruto is growing louder and bolder. The slogan “Ruto Must Go” has become a national chant, a symbol of deep frustration with a government many say has failed to deliver on its promises.
Perhaps the most powerful rejection has come from the country’s youth, The Gen z. They are not waiting for leaders to speak on their behalf.
One of the biggest reasons many Kenyans are walking away from Ruto’s leadership is the feeling of betrayal. In his campaign, he promised affordable food, lower taxes, more jobs and a government that listened to the “hustler”, the ordinary Mwananchi. But in the eyes of many, the president has done the exact opposite.
While Ruto still controls state machinery and commands a loyal inner circle, the connection between his government and the people is clearly fading. A growing number of Kenyans now associate his name with high prices, police brutality, corruption and arrogance. Many feel that Ruto is no longer leading with the people but ruling over them.
The rejection of President Ruto’s government is not just about politics, it is about pain, survival and disappointment. Kenyans feel let down by a man they once believed in. From the city to the village, from students to elders, the message is growing louder: We don’t want this kind of leadership.
In addition to economic hardship and police brutality, land grabbing allegations have deepened the public’s anger toward President William Ruto. For many kenyans, land is not just property, it is heritage, identity and survival. Yet under Ruto’s leadership, several land-related scandals have re-emerged, painting a picture of a leader who rather than protecting public land, is accused of benefiting from its illegal acquisition.
One of the most infamous cases frequently mentioned is the Weston Hotel scandal, where the hotel linked to Ruto was found to have been built on land that originally belonged to the Kenya Civil Aviation Authority(KCAA). Though courts and authorities acknowledged that the land was illegally acquired, the hotel continues to operate and no significant punitive action has been taken.
“If a president can take land meant for aviation and nothing happens, what will stop him from grabbing school, hospital or forest land?” asked John Ouma, a lawyer and land rights activist in Kisumu.
The question is not just whether Ruto will finish his first term, its whether the government will listen and change course before things get worse. The people are no longer silent. They are shouting, marching, posting and demanding:
“We want a government that listens, not one that punishes. We want leaders who serve, not rulers who exploit. We want justice, dignity and a future.”
The passion and unity shown by the youth, civil society and some leaders reflect a healthy democracy where citizens are willing to stand up for their rights. This resistance is a signal not necessarily of rebellion but of a population that wants to be part of decision-making and governance.
END…
BY: FALARY MUTETHYA
The author is an experienced radio journalist and media manager.
