Kenya, March 14 -- President William Ruto's tenure has been labelled the most chaotic and unstable in Kenya's history in over 30 years, marked by an unprecedented wave of protests and civil unrest, according to a new report released by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).
The data paints a grim picture of a nation grappling with widespread discontent, with 2024 recording the highest number of protests and riots in a single year.
The KNCHR report reveals that a staggering 2,005 protests and riots erupted across the country in 2024, surpassing any annual total in the past three decades.
The peak of this unrest came in June and July, with 245 and 250 incidents, respectively, setting a historic record for the most concentrated period of public demonstrations in Kenya's modern era.
These figures eclipse previous highs seen during the politically turbulent 1990s and early 2000s.
The surge in protests has been attributed to a combination of economic woes, controversial government policies, and dissatisfaction with Ruto's leadership since he took office in September 2022.
Key flashpoints included the Finance Bill 2024, which sparked nationwide outrage over proposed tax hikes, and the escalating cost of living, which fuelled youth-led movements such as the "Gen Z protests."
June and July saw violent clashes between demonstrators and police, with reports of dozens killed and hundreds injured, further deepening the sense of crisis.
"President Ruto's administration has presided over an unparalleled level of instability," said KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede.
"The scale and frequency of these protests reflect a profound disconnect between the government and the people."
The report also highlighted the heavy-handed response by security forces, which has drawn criticism from human rights groups both locally and internationally.
Government officials have defended their record, arguing that the protests stem from global economic challenges beyond their control and accusing opposition figures of inciting unrest.
In a statement last week, State House spokesperson Hussein Mohamed said, "The president remains committed to stabilising the economy and addressing Kenyans' concerns through dialogue."
The unrest has disrupted businesses, strained public services, and eroded investor confidence, with analysts warning of long-term economic fallout.
Political observers note that Ruto's presidency, now in its third year, faces a critical test as public frustration shows no signs of abating.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Bana Kenya.