Gen Z, opposition protest threat: Why Ruto and allies are uneasy

United Opposition leaders led by Kalonzo Musyoka, Fred Matiang'i, Rigathi Gachagua, Eugene Wamalwa, and Justin Muturi address the Press on fuel prices, on April 15, 2026. [Benard Orwongo, Standard] Gen Z and opposition leaders are pushing for nationwide protests next week over the cost-of-living crisis, attributed to this week's sharp rise in fuel prices. Public sentiment, alongside claims by leaders in the United Opposition that President William Ruto is directly involved in creating the crisis, appears to have heightened pressure on the President and his allies, with analysts warning of potential unrest. On Thursday, the ruling UDA and leaders allied to the government, including Cotu Secretary-General Francis Atwoli, expressed concern over the planned protests, dismissing the Gen Z push and the Tuesday ultimatum issued by opposition leaders. On Wednesday, President Ruto announced a reduction of VAT on fuel from 13 per cent to eight per cent following pressure from Kenyans and political leaders. The move was met with scepticism over whether the reduction would significantly lower pump prices, although a Bill was tabled in Parliament yesterday for ratification. Kenyans online, alongside opposition leaders, have threatened to take to the streets next Tuesday if fuel prices do not drop further, leaving Ruto with limited options, including scrapping fuel levies entirely or spending billions to cushion citizens from the high cost of fuel. Ruto hit back at the opposition over the planned mass action. He defended the VAT reduction, even as calls grew for a complete removal of the tax. "Some people are now claiming that since fuel prices have increased globally, they are going to hold protests. Do you think protests will make fuel prices come down? We must use our judgement to manage this issue," Ruto said during a rally in Suneka, Kisii County. "A public officer is required to operate within policy frameworks, but President Ruto has, for some time, made declarations from atop vehicles, as seen in his remarks on fuel," said Denis Anyoka, a constitutional lawyer. The fuel crisis has intensified pressure among Kenyans and political leaders. Ruto acknowledged the situation and urged calm, saying the government had put in place measures to cushion citizens from the ripple effects of rising prices. However, the swift reactions from the ruling party and its allies point to growing concern over the planned protests. UDA Secretary-General Hassan Omar dismissed calls for mass action, accusing opposition leaders of misleading Kenyans. He also criticised proposals to scrap the housing levy, NSSF contributions and infrastructure funding, warning that such measures would undermine development. "We will continue responding to misinformation from the opposition," said Omar. Atwoli cautioned against political agitation, warning that instability and unrest would hurt businesses and workers. "At a time when global markets are under pressure, what Kenya needs is calm and consultation, not incitement. We must address these shocks responsibly," Atwoli said. Among the opposition's demands are the immediate resignation of Energy and Petroleum Cabinet Secretary Opiyo Wandayi and Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui, cancellation of the government-to-government petroleum framework, suspension of the road maintenance levy increase from Sh18 to Sh25, and removal of VAT on fuel. "You must immediately direct the Speaker of the National Assembly to convene a special sitting of Parliament within seven days to address these urgent issues, failing which the United Opposition will call for nationwide mass action," former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua warned. Former Chief Justice David Maraga, who is a presidential hopeful, accused Ruto of presiding over "economic terrorism" at the expense of struggling Kenyans.

Gen Z, opposition protest threat: Why Ruto and allies are uneasy

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