After two months of ceased flights abroad and minimal local trips, President William Ruto has returned to his signature style of governance—standing atop car rooftops and engaging in frequent international travels. This resumption of activities marks the end of a hiatus that began after a wave of public discontent and protests on June 18, 2024, triggered by the government’s proposal of the controversial Finance Bill 2024. The bill, which proposed steep taxes, sparked widespread outrage and was eventually withdrawn.
The public’s discontent not only forced the government to backtrack on the bill but also led to a temporary grounding of President Ruto. Confined to State House in Nairobi, he delivered his state addresses in an uncharacteristically restrained manner. The protests had highlighted various grievances, including Ruto’s frequent international trips, which many saw as a wasteful expenditure of public resources during a time of economic hardship.
During this period of unrest, Ruto’s public appearances were few and carefully managed. He made only a few discreet visits to assess government projects before quickly retreating back to State House. This cautious approach extended to members of his political circle, who avoided making public appearances in churches—a space they had previously used to air political opinions.
As the protests subsided, Ruto gradually resumed his public engagements. On July 15, he toured Nakuru County to commission and inspect various facilities. During a visit to Kuresoi South Constituency, he laid the foundation stone for the construction of the Keringet Fresh Produce Market and addressed the gathered crowd, marking a return to his familiar political rhetoric.
By July 25, Ruto was back in full swing, addressing a roadside rally in Tharaka Nithi County while standing atop his vehicle. Here, he defended his decision to reinstate several Cabinet Secretaries in his new Cabinet, a move that had attracted scrutiny. His return to this style of engagement continued with visits to Mombasa County on the same day, and later to Kilifi, Kwale, Murang’a, and Kirinyaga counties in the following weeks.
Ruto’s return to international travel was signaled on August 11 when he flew to Rwanda to attend the inauguration of President Paul Kagame. However, he returned to Kenya shortly after, demonstrating a careful balance between his need to engage internationally and his awareness of the domestic pressures that have not fully dissipated.
In a bid to address these ongoing tensions, Ruto has initiated what he calls a “broad-based government,” incorporating members of the opposition into his recently inaugurated Cabinet. During a speech in Sagana, he emphasized the importance of unity and defended his decision to include opposition leaders, arguing that it was necessary for the country to move forward with a unified voice and purpose.
This shift towards a more inclusive government appears to be Ruto’s strategy for mending the divisions that have plagued his administration. Whether this approach will succeed in quelling dissent and fostering national unity remains to be seen, but it is clear that the President is attempting to navigate the delicate balance between maintaining his political identity and responding to the demands of a nation in flux.
