The RutoMustGo resistance in Kenya, primarily driven by Generation Z, faces challenges due to its short-lived nature and lack of an ideological foundation. To succeed in overhauling the regime, a long-term strategy is required, alongside unity among workers and peasants for a cohesive front against systemic oppression. Recent protests illustrate the growing unrest within the population. The future of resistance in Kenya may hinge on uniting diverse forces against capitalism and imperialism.
In Kenya, the RutoMustGo resistance led predominantly by Generation Z has garnered considerable attention due to its visibility in opposing the current government. However, this resistance, while impactful, may lack the longevity needed for sustained change. Resistance efforts have been commendable; they spark political engagement and raise class consciousness among the populace. Nevertheless, it is important not to view these activities as a conclusive end to the government’s grip.
The struggle to displace President Ruto appears daunting, as immediate overthrow remains unrealistic. The resistance movement must be conceptualized as part of a long-term strategy to foster continuity and avoid eventual isolation by the regime. Historical events have demonstrated that protests and resistance activities have faltered over time, necessitating an evaluation of the underlying dynamics between the government and opposing forces.
The government possesses considerable political clout, with control over the machinery of power, police, and media, creating a pronounced imbalance that challenges the resistance. Furthermore, the opposition lacks the backing of organized labor and peasant movements, risking potential isolation and violence against its members. Ruto’s current strategies involve a wait-and-see approach, allowing the resistance to weaken while the government remains intact.
A defining weakness of the current resistance is its absence of a clear ideological framework, which historically has united various movements. The Mau Mau and similar historical movements couched their objectives in transformative visions, which helped galvanize broader support. The contemporary resistance lacks such clarity, inhibiting the ability to inspire laborers and farmers to engage fully.
Unity among the working class is paramount for overcoming systemic oppression. Despite the lack of a visible working-class movement, disparate resistance within labor and peasantry exists but remains unrecognized and suppressed by the ruling elite. The ongoing struggle against automation and capitalism is pervasive but often overlooked. There is an urgent need for increased class consciousness and recognition of the existing labor struggles.
Recent protests in areas like Marengo and Pumwani highlight the discontent among citizens due to police violence and governmental negligence. These protests illustrate how marginalized communities react when no legitimate means of opposition are permitted. The ruling class may choose to overlook these grassroots defiance movements, yet such discontent continues to simmer beneath the surface.
While the spotlight has predominantly fallen on Gen Z’s resistance, a broader, more potent struggle is developing in Kenya, potentially leading to liberation from entrenched systems. This confluence of resistance, once mobilized, could either bring about progressive change or further societal chaos, influenced largely by external forces.
Shiraz Durrani, a Kenyan political exile, emphasizes the ongoing need for concerted efforts against the current regime and the importance of understanding the complexities of class dynamics within Kenya’s resistance movements.
Through fostering clarity and unity among all stratum of society—including workers, peasants, and the disenfranchised—movements can strive beyond short-term protests.
The resistance against the Ruto administration embodies a significant yet fragmented struggle in Kenya. While Generation Z has brought visibility to the resistance, their efforts lack the necessary ideological framework and support from organized labor essential for enduring success. As the broader social dynamics continue to evolve, an awakening of the working class could provide a transformative force against oppression. The future hinges on whether these latent powers can successfully mobilize and coalesce into a formidable movement, overcoming both state repression and external imperialist influences.
Original Source: countercurrents.org
