By Hereward Holland and Edwin Okoth
Protesters braving police batons, water cannon and occasional bullets on Kenya’s streets this week have taken up a rallying cry that is likely to unnerve its embattled president, William Ruto: “Ruto wantam”, or Ruto one-term.
Ruto won power almost three years ago vowing to protect the poor and end police violence, but he is facing mounting public dissatisfaction over high living costs, corruption and police brutality that could yet seal his fate as a “wantam” leader.
As the faint drum beat of the 2027 election grows louder, analysts say, his administration will need not only to deliver on its economic promises but also adopt a more conciliatory tone to win over a younger, better-educated population.
“Persistent economic hardship and widespread allegations of police violence pose serious challenges to any ambitions he may have for securing re-election in 2027,” said Mucahid Durmaz, Senior Africa Analyst at risk intelligence firm Verisk Maplecroft.
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