OUR MINIMUM DEMANDS: Kenyans Speak Out Against The Ruto Government

Kenyans have become increasingly vocal about their dissatisfaction with President William Ruto’s administration. From healthcare to education, economic policies to political reforms, citizens have articulated a clear set of demands that they believe are essential for the country’s progress.

The message from the people is unequivocal: act on these issues, or step down. Here are the detailed demands from Kenyans to the Ruto government:

1. Hire all Medical Interns

The healthcare sector in Kenya is struggling, and a critical step towards improvement is the immediate hiring of all medical interns. These young professionals are essential to alleviating the workload on existing staff and improving patient care.

2. Hire all JSS teachers and all on contract

To ensure the quality of education, all Junior Secondary School (JSS) teachers, especially those on contract, must be hired permanently. This will provide stability for educators and continuity for students.

3. Abolish the Housing Levy and refund the monies plus the interest from the investment into bonds

The controversial Housing Levy has faced significant opposition. Kenyans demand its abolition and a full refund of all monies collected, including interest, reinvested into government bonds.

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4. Defund the office of the Spouse of DP and PCS. They should refund all monies they have used so far

The funds allocated to the offices of the Deputy President’s spouse and Principal Secretaries (PCS) are seen as unnecessary. Kenyans call for these offices to be defunded and for the return of all monies spent.

5. Freeze all renovations

In a time of economic hardship, prioritizing public funds is crucial. All non-essential renovations, especially those on government properties, should be halted immediately.

6. No more building of State Lodges

The construction of new State Lodges is deemed extravagant. Kenyans demand a stop to these projects and a reallocation of funds to more pressing needs.

7. Free everyone arrested because of the Protests

All individuals detained for participating in protests should be released. The right to peaceful assembly and expression must be upheld.

8. Obey all court orders

The government’s disregard for court orders undermines the rule of law. Kenyans demand strict adherence to judicial rulings to restore faith in the legal system.

9. Bring back our Policemen from Haiti

The deployment of Kenyan police officers to Haiti has been met with criticism. Citizens demand their immediate return to address domestic security concerns.

10. Reduce the cost of fuel by KES 70 across all fuels

The high cost of fuel is crippling for many. A reduction by KES 70 per litre across all fuel types is necessary to alleviate the financial burden on Kenyans.

11. Fire the entire cabinet and get a new one and all of them to be charged for abuse of office and corruption

The current cabinet is perceived as corrupt and ineffective. Kenyans call for their dismissal and subsequent legal action against them for abuses of office.

12. Fire the entire council of economic advisory. Get a credible CS for Treasury

To revitalize the economy, a new and credible Council of Economic Advisors is needed, along with a competent Cabinet Secretary for the Treasury.

13. Fire all tribal appointments in the ministry and get new people from tribes that do not have anyone in power

The dominance of certain ethnic groups in government positions has led to calls for more inclusive representation across ministries.

14. Reconstitute IEBC now so that we can recall MPs and women reps

The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) must be reconstituted to allow for the recall of Members of Parliament and Women Representatives who fail to perform.

15. Surrender Weston

The controversial Weston Hotel, linked to President Ruto, has been a symbol of corruption. Kenyans demand its surrender.

16. Implement the Ndung’u report on land

The Ndung’u report, which addresses historical land injustices, should be fully implemented to resolve long-standing grievances.

17. Implement the Constitution fully

A full and faithful implementation of the Constitution is crucial for justice and equality in Kenya.

18. Implement CBC better

The Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) needs effective implementation to ensure that it meets educational goals and standards.

19. Reconstitute Parliament and Senate leadership with people not affiliated with Kenya Kwanza

Parliament and Senate leadership should include members not affiliated with the ruling Kenya Kwanza coalition to ensure balanced and fair governance.

20. Charge Kindiki Kithure and the IG for the deaths of our children

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kindiki Kithure and the Inspector General of Police should be held accountable for the deaths of children during protests.

21. Get a specialized team to audit our debt before we proceed with payments

A specialized team should audit Kenya’s debt to ensure transparency and accountability before any further payments are made.

22. Get a specialized team to harmonize our tax system to make it simple and easy for everyone

The tax system needs simplification and harmonization to make compliance easier for all citizens and businesses.

23. Justice for 2007/2008 victims of PEV

Victims of the 2007/2008 post-election violence (PEV) are still awaiting justice. Their cases must be resolved promptly and fairly.

24. All former corrupt and current governors to be arrested and sentenced

Corruption among governors has been rampant. Both former and current governors involved in corruption must face arrest and sentencing.

25. Fire everyone at EACC and get new people to work

The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has lost credibility. Its entire staff should be replaced to restore its effectiveness.

26. Simplify the process of recalling all leaders

The process for recalling underperforming leaders should be simplified to empower citizens to hold their representatives accountable.

27. Kick out IMF

The influence of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is seen as detrimental. Kenyans demand the government end its relationship with the IMF.

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28. No more borrowing. Recover all looted money

The government should stop borrowing funds and focus on recovering money looted through corruption.

29. Freeze all accounts belonging to all politicians and ascertain where they got the funds

To curb corruption, all accounts belonging to politicians should be frozen and their sources of funds investigated.

30. Scrap CAS and PCS positions and refund all the money

The positions of Chief Administrative Secretaries (CAS) and Principal Secretaries (PCS) should be abolished, and the funds used for these roles should be refunded.

31. Arrest and sentence all cops who killed and abducted innocent Kenyans

Police officers who have engaged in unlawful killings and abductions must be brought to justice.

32. Defrock all corrupt church leaders and excommunicate them

Corrupt religious leaders should be defrocked and excommunicated to preserve the integrity of religious institutions.

33. Compensate everyone who was illegally abducted and every family that lost someone

Victims of illegal abductions and families who have lost loved ones must receive compensation for their suffering.

34. Reconstitute the Police Leadership and NIS leadership

Both the Police Leadership and the National Intelligence Service (NIS) leadership need reconstitution to restore trust and efficiency.

35. After addressing the above matters, Ruto should dissolve Parliament and Senate and call for fresh elections

After meeting these demands, President Ruto should dissolve Parliament and Senate and call for fresh elections to renew the government’s mandate from the people.

President Ruto must heed these demands or risk plunging Kenya into chaos and unrest. The grievances listed are not mere complaints; they are a reflection of deep-seated discontent and frustration among the populace. Ignoring them would not only signify a disregard for the rule of law and the welfare of the citizens but would also exacerbate the already volatile situation, potentially leading to widespread protests, economic instability, and social upheaval. The demands represent a collective cry for justice, accountability, and meaningful reform. Failure to address them could ignite a firestorm of dissent that threatens to destabilize the nation, erode public trust, and ultimately undermine the very fabric of Kenyan society. Inaction is not an option; the future of the country hangs in the balance.

These demands, reflecting the frustration and aspirations of Kenyans, set a clear agenda for the Ruto administration. The call for action is loud and unmistakable: respond to these issues or face the prospect of stepping down. The nation’s patience is wearing thin, and the need for decisive leadership has never been more urgent.

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