In 2024, the country experienced several pivotal political events that significantly influenced its national landscape.
Among them is the introduction of the Finance Bill 2024 in May, which sparked widespread civil unrest, as citizens protested against proposed tax hikes and economic policies.
The situation escalated on June 25 when demonstrators stormed Parliament, leading to violent confrontations and property damage.
This was such a defining moment that influenced how the political game will be played going forward.
As we wrap up the year, let’s look at other key political events that will forever remain etched into Kenyans’ memories;
- Finance Bill 2024
In May 2024, the Kenya Kwanza government introduced the Finance Bill 2024, proposing several additional tax hikes to increase revenue. This move sparked widespread public outcry, with citizens expressing concerns over the economic burden.
Despite calls for Members of Parliament to reject the bill, the house, dominated by pro-government MPs, discussed and approved the bill, amid days of Gen Z-led protests.
- Gen Z Protests
As Parliament continued deliberating the controversial Finance Bill, Kenyans, mostly led by the young generation decided to make their voices heard, utilising digital tools to organise, coordinate, finance and execute countrywide protests.
From Nairobi to Mombasa, Kisumu to Nyeri, Kericho to Isiolo, citizens took to the streets demanding economic reforms. The protests were marked by clashes between demonstrators and security forces, resulting in numerous injuries and deaths of over 50 people.
In response to the escalating protests, President William Ruto withdrew the Finance Bill in June, a decision seen as a concession to public pressure and a move to quell the growing unrest. The withdrawal was welcomed by many as a victory for people’s power and civic engagement.
- Cabinet Reshuffle
During the countrywide protests, another complaint was the performance of the Cabinet Secretaries with some being accused of underperformance and corruption. After the situation calmed down, President Ruto announced the dismissal of nearly his entire cabinet on July 11, retaining only the Foreign Minister, Musalia Mudavadi.
This decision aimed to address public grievances and pave the way for the formation of a “broad-based government” that would include opposition figures.
- Formation of Broad-Based Government
Following the cabinet reshuffle, President Ruto initiated consultations to incorporate Azimio leaders into his administration.
By late July 2024, he had appointed four members from the main opposition party, the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM), to key cabinet positions.
MPs John Mbadi and Opiyo Wandayi were given Treasury and Energy dockets respectively while former governors Wycliffe Oparanya and Hassan Joho occupied Cooperatives and Mining ministries.
This strategic move was intended to foster national unity and enhance the government’s legitimacy by broadening its political base. However, the inclusion of opposition figures did not entirely quell public dissent.
Protests persisted, with demonstrators demanding more substantial reforms and expressing scepticism about the government’s commitment to addressing their concerns.
- Adani Deals Exposed
Nelson Amenya, a Kenyan MBA student, played a pivotal role in uncovering clandestine agreements between the government and India’s Adani Group.
Through credible sources within government departments, Amenya obtained documents revealing plans to hand over control of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport to Adani without competitive bidding.
His revelations sparked months of public outcry and debates, putting the government under scrutiny over the integrity of such deals.
In November, the controversy around Adani was further compounded by the U.S. government’s indictments against Adani Group’s founder.
President Ruto, therefore, cancelled the proposed agreements, including a $736 million energy project and the airport expansion plan. Ruto cited new information from investigative agencies as the basis for these cancellations.
- Impeachment of DP Rigathi Gachagua
In September, former Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua faced impeachment proceedings over allegations of corruption and abuse of office.
The monthly-long process faced opposition from Gachagua’s support-based, mostly Central Kenya region, with citizens displaying their anger by jeering leaders supporting the initiative. After weeks of debate, the National Assembly voted in favour of the impeachment, later upheld by the Senate sealing the ‘truthful’ man’s fate; his removal from office.
- Appointment of New Deputy President
Following Gachagua’s impeachment, President Ruto appointed former Interior CS Kithure Kindiki as the new Deputy President.
This didn’t come without its drama as Gachagua and allies rushed to court try to stop the appointment. However, the court dismissed his prayer arguing that the constitution didn’t foresee a prolonged vacancy in the office of the deputy president, hence the need for speedy replacement.
- Raila’s AUC bid
Azimio leader Raila Odinga’s dalliance with President Ruto led to the launch of his bid for the African Union Chairmanship with the government’s support.
Raila has been traversing the continent seeking support from different countries during the February 2025 elections. Apart from facing opposition from some Kenyans who are unhappy with his association with the government, he also faces an uphill task of defeating Djibouti’s Mahamoud Ali Youssouf.
- Death of General Francis Omondi Ogolla
On April 18, 2024, General Francis Omondi Ogolla, the Chief of Defence Forces, tragically died in a helicopter crash in Elgeyo-Marakwet County. His death was a significant loss for the military and the nation, leading to a period of mourning and reflection on national security protocols. - Human Rights Concerns/abductions
Throughout 2024, human rights organisations reported serious abuses by Kenyan security agencies, including extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances.
The situation worsened after the June protests as activists and netizens who have been vocal against the government have been facing frequent abductions, some going missing and appearing after days of torture while others are yet to be traced.
The authorities have been accused of failing to ensure accountability for these abuses, including by failing to investigate and prosecute police officers implicated in the use of excess force during the protests.
By Newsmedia