Kenya, July 4 -- Kenya, once hailed as a beacon of African democracy, is sliding into repression under President William Ruto's leadership, according to a July 2025 report by The Economist.
The publication highlights deepening ethnic divisions, weakened judicial independence, brutal suppression of protests, and the exit of major multinational corporations like GlaxoSmithKline and Procter & Gamble, signalling a troubling trajectory for the nation.
These developments have sparked widespread concern about Kenya's democratic backsliding and economic stability, as public discontent grows and Ruto's authoritarian measures intensify.
Elected in 2022 on a populist platform promising to uplift ordinary Kenyans, Ruto has faced mounting criticism for his governance style, which The Economist describes as a "how-to guide for sowing cynicism about democracy".
Ethnic tensions, particularly between the Kalenjin and Kikuyu communities, have worsened, partly due to Ruto's political manoeuvres, such as the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, which alienated Central Kenya's voter base.
The international daily noted that Ruto's leadership has exacerbated tribal divisions, undermining national unity.
Critics argue that his focus on ethnic voting blocs, rather than inclusive governance, risks reigniting the kind of violence seen after the 2007 elections, where Ruto faced unproven ICC charges for orchestrating ethnic clashes.
The judiciary, a cornerstone of Kenya's democracy, has also come under strain. The Economist points to government interference in the courts, with Ruto's administration accused of undermining judicial independence to suppress dissent.
This erosion has coincided with violent crackdowns on protests, particularly the Gen-Z-led demonstrations that erupted in June 2024 against austerity measures and tax hikes.
Security forces have responded with live ammunition, tear gas, and alleged abductions, resulting in at least 50 deaths and hundreds injured.
Economically, Kenya faces challenges as multinationals like GlaxoSmithKline and Procter & Gamble have exited, citing unfavourable business conditions.
The Economist attributes these departures to Ruto's mismanagement of Kenya's fiscal crisis, inherited from the Kenyatta administration but worsened by his policies.
The 2024 Finance Bill, which proposed heavy tax increases to service Kenya's $80 billion debt, triggered nationwide protests and was eventually withdrawn, but not before damaging public trust.
Ruto's focus on revenue generation over social welfare has led to a 58.5% disapproval rating, with many Kenyans believing the country is "trending in the wrong direction," according to a 2024 Afrobarometer survey.
The absence of a credible opposition further complicates the situation. The Economist notes that Ruto's co-optation of figures like Raila Odinga, now a key ally in his "broad-based government," has stifled dissent, potentially securing his 2027 re-election despite widespread discontent.
However, the youth-led protest movement, decentralized and unaffiliated with traditional political parties, remains a potent force, signalling a shift away from ethnicity-based politics.
As Kenya grapples with these challenges, its reputation as a stable democracy hangs in the balance, with global observers watching closely.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.