Protests Erupt in Kenya on Independence Day as RutoMustGo Gains Traction
The hashtag #RutoMustGo trended on Kenya’s Independence Day, reflecting widespread discontent with President William Ruto’s administration.
Protests, initially sparked by a controversial finance bill, have evolved into broader demands for accountability, addressing corruption, and improving living conditions.
Demonstrators, primarily from Generation, have utilized digital platforms to mobilize and express their frustrations, leading to significant unrest across the country.
The protests have highlighted issues such as police brutality and the perceived disconnect between the government and citizens’ needs
The hashtag #RutoMustGo gained traction on Kenya’s Independence Day, known as Jamhuri Day, as an expression of dissatisfaction with President Ruto’s administration.
Several Kenyans expressed frustration over the leadership of Ruto on social media while he presided over celebrations at Uhuru Gardens under the theme of jobs, entrepreneurship, and migration.
Several hashtags also referred to broader grievances, such as the abuse of protest leaders by security forces during anti-government protests earlier in the year, as reported by Human Rights Watch.
Ruto, however, dismissed the criticism during his speech, urging citizens to disregard “reckless negativity” and false information intended to discredit the government.
