Kenyans have made their frustrations known on the global stage, nominating President William Ruto as the most corrupt person of 2024 in a survey conducted by the Organized Crime and Corruption Reporting Project (OCCRP). Over 40,000 Kenyans participated, propelling Ruto to the top spot in a poll that sparked heated reactions online and nationwide.
The massive wave of nominations comes amid growing public discontent over corruption, economic hardship, and political instability. Demonstrations rocked the nation in June and July, with youth-led protests against soaring unemployment and the passage of a controversial finance bill that many say has deepened the financial struggles of ordinary citizens. Protesters called for Ruto’s resignation, but their demands were met with a heavy-handed government response, including tear gas, water cannons, and live ammunition. Tragically, many protesters were injured, disappeared, or killed.
The OCCRP survey offered a new avenue for Kenyans to vent their frustrations. The comments accompanying Ruto’s nominations were scathing. “He’s stealing everything, including public funds,” one participant wrote. Another accused Ruto of failing the country in every sector, citing deteriorating healthcare, education, and economic conditions.
Despite Ruto’s overwhelming lead in the poll, the OCCRP judges ultimately awarded the dishonor to Syria’s Bashar al-Assad. They argued that Assad’s actions, which have destabilized the Middle East and caused immense suffering, had a far-reaching impact that surpassed Ruto’s domestic controversies.
However, the decision did little to quell the anger of Kenyans, who took to social media to express their disappointment. Many humorously demanded that Ruto be officially recognized for what they called his “landslide victory” in the poll. Social media platforms were flooded with memes and biting commentary, further highlighting the discontent brewing within the nation.
The frustrations voiced by Kenyans stem from longstanding accusations of corruption and greed within Ruto’s administration. Public outcry has been fueled by scandals involving public funds and the now-canceled airport deal tied to Indian billionaire Gautam Adani, which many saw as emblematic of the government’s mismanagement.
President Ruto has repeatedly denied allegations of corruption, dismissing them as baseless rumors spread by his political opponents. However, his critics argue that the evidence is clear and that his administration’s failures have deepened Kenya’s economic and social woes.
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