2024 was a significant year, marking a watershed moment in Kenyan politics.
The year presented pivotal moments that played a significant role in crafting Kenya’s political landscape beyond the norm.
From Gen Z demonstrations against President William Ruto’s proposed taxes to Rigathi Gachagua’s impeachment, here are some events that made history in Kenya’s politics.
Gen Z demonstrations
In June, Kenya witnessed unprecedented nationwide demonstrations in defiance of the Finance Bill 2024 which sought to increase taxes.
The youthful Kenyans strategically planned the protests online across various social media platforms, creating a new wave of civic activism in Kenya.
Unlike the common demonstrations led by their predecessors, the millennials; the Gen Zs were dressed elegantly and armed with expressive placards that boldly indicated their discontent with the bill.
The demonstrations which were one of a kind culminated in a historic moment that will go down in books after the Gen Zs who were once dismissed as keyboard warriors braced themselves and entered parliament.
Several lost their lives, left maimed, whereas others were arrested during the fight, however, the bold and fierce youths continued the fight until President William Ruto, who was at the centre of the political firestorm bowed to pressure and withdrew the bill.
Ruto fires cabinet
After weeks of intense protests, President Ruto fired almost his entire cabinet.
Defending his stance, the Head of State affirmed that the decision followed after reflection and holistic appraisal of his cabinet.
“Even with the progress we’ve made, I’m acutely aware that the people of Kenya have very high expectations of me, and they believe that this administration can undertake the most extensive transformation in our nation’s history,” the president said at the time.
He also expressed confidence that his upcoming government would help him implement radical programs to help with the ballooning debt, job opportunities for the youth, and corruption among others.
Gachagua impeached
In October, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua was ousted from office, making history as Kenya’s first deputy president to be removed from office since the inception of impeachment as enshrined in the 2010 constitution.
Gachagua was removed from office after senators voted to uphold his impeachment by the National Assembly.
He faced 11 charges including gross violation of the constitution, undermining the president, undermining devolution, publicly attacking a judge, promoting ethnicity irregular acquisition of wealth, and insubordination to the president among other charges.
After his impeachment, Gachagua, who failed to appear for cross-examination at the Senate, moved to court to seek orders barring Deputy President Kithure Kindiki from taking the oath of office.
His efforts were rendered futile after a three-judge bench overturned the orders paving way for Kindiki’s swearing-in ceremony.
