Sameera Casmod | sameerac@radioislam.co.za
July 14 2023 | 23:30 CAT
3 min read

Photo Credit: Nation

Kenya is engulfed in a wave of protests, causing major nationwide disruptions and highlighting the country’s deepening political and social divisions.

In an exclusive interview with Radio Islam International, Professor Macharia Munene, a prominent historian and expert on Kenyan politics, shed light on the context and underlying factors contributing to the eruption of protests.

The protests, which have turned deadly, stem from a combination of factors, as explained by Prof. Munene. On the one hand, Raila Odinga, the opposition leader, continues to contest the results of a lost election, refusing to concede defeat. “He loses them, then he cries and says he’s not,” the historian remarked, emphasising Odinga’s record of electoral losses.

However, Odinga’s enduring popularity still allows him to rally a significant following, particularly among disgruntled youth. Prof. Munene noted, “Those who are jobless, just joyriders and essential fads who are always waiting for someone who can command at least half a million people. He cannot be ignored.”

On the other hand, the protests also reflect a broader discontent with the current administration, headed by President Uhuru Kenyatta. The government has been criticised for insensitivity to people’s grievances, economic hardships, and skyrocketing prices. Prof. Munene highlighted the growing anger at the administration’s failures, stating, “There is a growing disaffection because of the failures on the part of the people to heed cries or appear to ignore the cries.”

The convergence of Odinga’s agitation and the widespread dissatisfaction among citizens has resulted in a potent cocktail of grievances, leading to mass protests and disruptions. The situation has placed the security forces in a challenging position, trying to maintain control without excessive force.

Despite the volatile nature of the protests, Prof. Munene suggested that a political deal could eventually be reached to restore stability, as witnessed in the past. “Raila and Ruto will sit down, and they’ll cut a deal. And then everything will go back to normal. Of course, the deal will be at the expense of some other people,” he predicted.

The urgency for stability cannot be overstated as the protests continue to wreak havoc on the nation. Efforts to persuade protesters to desist from participating have been unsuccessful. Prof. Munene acknowledged this challenge, stating, “For the police, the government to go and see this thing to be effective, then that’s why they have a problem. Because then they will appear to be atrocious, to be accused of using excessive force. And yet they cannot.”

As Kenya grapples with the ongoing unrest, it remains to be seen how the government will address the grievances, restore calm, and chart a path towards a more inclusive and stable future.

In the face of uncertainty, the nation awaits a resolution to alleviate tensions and usher in renewed hope for Kenya’s citizens.

Listen to the full interview with Sulaimaan Ravat on Sabahul Muslim here.