2024: A whirlwind year of trials for some, blessings for others

President William Ruto and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga during the Memorial Service for the Late General Francis Omondi Ogolla at Ulinzi Sports Complex, Lang'ata., Nairobi County. General Ogolla died on Thursday afternoon after a Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) helicopter crashed in Sindar, Elgeyo-Marakwet County. [FILE,PCS] Kenyans are preparing for 2025 with mixed emotions. While some are eager to build on the successes of 2024, others feel the year could not have ended soon enough. On almost all fronts, 2024 was marked by twists and turns. For the majority, however, it remains a year to remember. As 2024 folds up, 2025 presents another opportunity to redefine the nation politically, socially, and economically. The year 2024 was activity-filled, characterised by heightened political engagement, the reassertion of religious institutions against unpopular government decisions, and a Gen Z uprising that escalated from social media activism to street protests. This was the year Gen Z-describing themselves as "leaderless, tribeless, and fearless"-took an unexpected turn to demand better governance, rejection of the Finance Bill 2024, and call for the reconstitution of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC). A major security breach occurred for the first time in the country's history when Gen Z, under the banner "Seven Days of Rage," infiltrated Parliament on June 25. Shaken MPs fled for their lives, and by the time police restored order, lives were lost, and property worth millions was destroyed. Parliament Breach The breach sent shockwaves across the country, prompting President William Ruto to issue a strong statement. His remarks, however, drew heavy criticism from a section of politicians, human rights groups, and religious leaders. "Today, Kenyans experienced an unprecedented attack on democracy, the rule of law, and the integrity of constitutional institutions. I assure Kenyans that we will respond fully, effectively, and expeditiously to these treasonous events," the President said in a statement following the attack. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta also addressed the situation, urging leaders to remember that their power and authority are derived from the people. He called for calm, restraint, and a commitment to listening to the public, stressing that violence on either side is not the solution. "At this trying time for our country, I remind all leaders that they were elected by the people. Listening to the people is not optional but a mandate enshrined in our Constitution and democracy," he said. While Gen Z protests initially continued weekly, they gradually fizzled out amidst reports of abductions and fatalities. Nevertheless, their actions resulted in a Cabinet overhaul and the formation of a broad-based Government.Other events that featured prominently included strikes by medical professionals, lecturers, and teachers; confusion over the university funding model; and the impeachment of former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua. From the start of the year, Kenyans were already feeling the strain, with constant complaints of 'money not getting into their pockets', the high cost of living, soaring fuel prices, and increased taxation-a situation exacerbated by the enactment of stringent tax laws. Amidst the turmoil, certain senior public officers publicly displayed their opulence without apology, a move that was widely condemned by Kenyans. Before long, President Ruto announced significant changes to the structure of the National Government, leaving Prime Cabinet Secretary and Foreign and Diaspora Affairs Minister Musalia Mudavadi as the sole survivor in the Cabinet reshuffle. Optimism While expressing optimism about progress in various economic sectors, the President acknowledged the high expectations Kenyans had of his administration and their belief in its potential to undertake transformative reforms. Ruto cited events necessitating the withdrawal of the Finance Bill, which he said required a review and reorganisation of the budget and fiscal management, as having brought the country to an inflection point. "Upon reflection, listening keenly to what the people of Kenya have said, and after a holistic appraisal of the performance of my Cabinet, its achievements, and challenges, I have, in line with the powers granted to me by Article 152(1) and 152(5)(b) of the Constitution and Section 12 of the Office of the Attorney-General Act, decided to dismiss with immediate effect all Cabinet Secretaries and the Attorney-General, except the Prime Cabinet Secretary," Ruto announced on 10 July. Following this, the President embarked on extensive consultations across various sectors and political formations to establish a broad-based government. This, he stated, would expedite the implementation of radical programmes aimed at addressing debt burdens, increasing domestic resources, expanding job opportunities, eliminating wastage and duplication in government agencies, and tackling corruption. The goal was to make the government leaner, less expensive, effective, and efficient. During this transition, government operations were overseen by Principal Secretaries and other relevant officials. On 19 July, Ruto unveiled his first Cabinet lineup, which saw only five previously sacked Cabinet Secretaries reinstated. Shortly afterwards, the path to forming a broad-based government commenced, with leaders from the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) also being appointed. These included former Minority Leader in the National Assembly Opiyo Wandayi, former ODM Deputy Party leaders Hassan Joho and Wycliffe Oparanya, and the then National Chairperson John Mbadi. However, divisions emerged as some ODM MPs disowned the appointments, asserting that these individuals had joined the government in their personal capacities rather than as representatives of the party. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) documented notable human rights concerns throughout the year. Between July 2023 and November 2024, KNCHR recorded 60 deaths during demonstrations. The commission also flagged an alarming rise in femicide, with 97 cases reported between August and November, as per the National Police Service (NPS). Additionally, there were 1,376 cases of arbitrary arrests and 610 injuries reported during the same period, many sustained during demonstrations and ranging from fractures to bullet wounds, soft tissue injuries, and tear gas inhalation. Security officers were not spared, with 25 injuries inflicted by protesters. Furthermore, 74 cases of enforced disappearances were documented between June and November, with 26 individuals still missing by mid-November. Working group In response, on December 17, the Cabinet approved the establishment of a presidential working group to address femicide. The group will engage religious leaders, parents, schools, security agencies, and other stakeholders to identify gaps in law enforcement and social values contributing to the crisis. The working group has been tasked with providing actionable recommendations within 90 days. As the year drew to a close, incidents of abduction allegedly targeting critics of the state were on the rise. While police distanced themselves from these incidents, pressure mounted on the government to explain why individuals were being abducted and held incommunicado. In the latest incidents, Bernard Kavuli, Billy Mwangi, Peter Muteti, and Gideon Kibet were reportedly kidnapped after posting criticisms on social media. Inspector General of Police Douglas Kanja denied police involvement, affirming that the National Police Service is constitutionally mandated to arrest, not abduct, suspects. "The National Police Service is not involved in any abductions, and there is no police station in the country holding the reported abductees," Kanja said in a statement. The courts have, however, ordered him to release the young men unconditionally. Amid these tensions, the church became increasingly vocal against the government. Both the Catholic Church and the Anglican Church of Kenya (ACK) called for unity and accountability. The Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB) emphasised the need to restore hope amid political, social, and economic challenges. They decried dishonesty, unfulfilled promises, corruption, human rights violations, and an excessive tax burden on citizens. Ruto Donation A notable moment came when Archbishop Philip Anyolo of Nairobi's Catholic Archdiocese returned a donation from the President, underscoring the bishops' firm stance against political contributions to the church. Among other key events of the year was the introduction of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), which replaced the National Health Insurance Fund (NHIF) on 1 October. Although the government hailed SHIF as a crucial step towards affordable healthcare, critics questioned its compulsory nature and the rush in its implementation. The year was also marked by a series of strikes. Teachers were divided, with the Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) calling off a strike at the eleventh hour, while the Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) pursued industrial action for two weeks. Doctors' strikes disrupted healthcare services for 56 days, ending only after prolonged negotiations. Adani deals In another significant development, President Ruto cancelled controversial contracts, including the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) expansion project, citing concerns over corruption. It was also a year that the second Deputy President under the Constitution 2010, Rigathi Gachagua was impeached after months of speculation. Gachagua was impeached by the Senate on October 18, while he was admitted in hospital, a situation that led to his allies saying that justice was not done. The incumbent, Kithure Kindiki was immediately nominated but Gachagua did not take it lying down as he moved to court to have his case heard. Consequently, Kindiki was sworn into office and today, Gachagua, who was one of the biggest Government supporters has now become its greatest critic. The death of marathon record holder Kelvin Kiptum in a road accident put a damper on efforts to lower the record below the 2-hour mark, a feat he was to attempt in April but the dream was cut short on February 11. On a brighter note, Kenyan athletes shone globally. Faith Kipyegon achieved record-breaking feats, and Kenya's rugby sevens team affirmed their place among the world's elite. igithinji@standardmedia.co.ke

2024: A whirlwind year of trials for some, blessings for others

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