Besides Ruto must go, opposition must define their alternative

There is one truth that should unite all citizens regardless of political affiliation. No patriotic Kenyan should ever wish for a bad President. The presidency is too important. When a President succeeds, investors gain confidence, businesses expand, jobs are created, institutions strengthen and hope grows.

When a President governs poorly, everyone pays through economic pain, declining trust, weakened institutions, lost opportunities and national frustration. Democratic criticism should demand better leadership. But politics carries a paradox. Sometimes a government becomes so consumed by protecting power that it weakens itself because its own decisions erode public confidence.

Kenya appears to be approaching that moment. The Gen Z demonstrations of June 2024 should have been a turning point. Young Kenyans were rejecting more than a Finance Bill. They were protesting living costs, unemployment, corruption, taxation, police brutality and the gap between rulers and citizens. Commemorations confirmed that they remain alive.

The opposition must prepare for possibility. If Ruto goes in a year’s time, what happens next? “Ruto Must Go” can mobilise a country, unite allies and win an election. But it cannot run a country. The opposition must describe the government it intends to build.

Start with debt. Which loans will be honoured? Which will face forensic audit? How will questionable borrowing be investigated? What happens where money was stolen, misapplied or contracted unlawfully? How will Kenya stop borrowing to service borrowing?

Then confront government size. Kenya turns every public problem into bureaucracy. We create authorities, agencies, boards, councils, corporations, funds and secretariats, with chairpersons, directors, chief executives, offices, vehicles, allowances and budgets. Enormous sums then maintain institutions created to solve problems that remain unsolved.