President Willam Ruto has lately been receiving an onslaught with pressure mounting for his resignation amidst nationwide protests.
On Tuesday, the Institute for Development and Leadership in Africa (IDEA for Africa) called on President Ruto to step down in order to prevent the country from further deterioration. The Kenyan populace has overwhelmingly lost confidence in his leadership.
“Given the current circumstances, the most prudent course of action for President Ruto is to resign and facilitate the establishment of a transitional government capable of navigating the nation through these turbulent times,” the institute said in a statement.
Mr. Denise Kodhe, Director General of IDEA, remarks that President Ruto finds himself ensnared by the consequences of his decisions. He disregarded early warnings and spurned advice that could have steered Kenya away from its current path.
Mr. Kodhe further appealed to the African Union and the international community not to overlook the gravity of the situation unfolding in Kenya. The signs of unrest are unmistakable, and preemptive measures are crucial.
Currently attending a Civil Society organization’s forum in Accra, Ghana, organized by the African Union Economic, Social and Cultural Council (AU ECOSOCC) and the African Peace and Security Architecture (APSA), Mr. Kodhe emphasizes the significance of civil society in fostering peace and security across Africa. This event coincides with the 20th anniversary of AU ECOSOCC, commemorating citizen engagement in the continent’s development through CSOs and other non-state actors.
Mr. Kodhe underscores that Kenya transcends any single individual or ethnic group; preserving its unity, peace, and stability is paramount. He reminds President William Ruto that widespread protests, including those by the youth (Genzs), civil society organizations, and media, are a direct result of governmental failures to uphold promises made to the Kenyan people, exacerbated by corruption and poor governance.
Mr. Kodhe urges all concerned parties to persist in peaceful protests as a means to compel President Ruto’s administration to deliver essential services and honor its electoral commitments. Resorting to police and other armed groups to intimidate, abduct, or harm protesters will only exacerbate the crisis.