Miguna Miguna expressed his grievances during a Twitter Spaces session, criticizing President William Ruto’s government for the current state of affairs in Kenya. He emphasized the persistent threats he faces, such as those implying his potential deportation to Canada, and charged President William Ruto with merely adhering to court orders to permit his return.
Impunity’s historical context
Miguna emphasized that the issues plaguing Kenya today have deep roots, tracing back to the period between 2017 and 2022 when former President Uhuru Kenyatta’s administration was accused of similar misconduct. He recounted the incidents of abductions, disappearances, and extrajudicial killings that occurred during that period, which included the bombing of his house and his subsequent forcible exile. This historical context, he argued, is crucial in understanding the current protests against the Finance Bill 2024.
Criticism of Government Spending and Corruption
Miguna criticized the government for runaway corruption and extravagant spending. He cited instances of public officials who do not hold significant office positions donating millions at public events while ordinary Kenyans struggle to make ends meet. He criticized Ruto for overtaxing citizens instead of holding those responsible for looting the treasury accountable. According to Miguna, these actions have exacerbated the public’s grievances.
“The grievances are not new. This culture of impunity that Ruto now exemplifies, the refusal to listen to the people, the runway corruption, the PR that does not know limits, the arrogance that you see when Ndii posts on X and when Faruk and Sudi go to harambees every week, and their support to donate tens of millions of public money that they have stolen. Faruk Kibet, despite not holding any public office, is able to donate 10 million Shillings every weekend. Sudi’s salary is 1 million shillings, but he can donate 20 million every weekend; these are public funds.”
Finance Bill 2024 as a Trigger
The Finance Bill 2024, Miguna argued, was the final straw that triggered widespread protests. He criticized Ruto for not adhering to constitutional limits and using the presidency to undermine both Parliament and the judiciary through bribery and intimidation. The bill, according to Miguna, symbolizes the government’s disregard for the people’s will and its continuation of oppressive practices.
Call for Government Accountability
Miguna highlighted that despite the government’s attempts to control the narrative and suppress dissent, the abductions and extrajudicial killings continue. He pointed out the recent abduction of a former MP in broad daylight as evidence of the government’s unyielding oppressive tactics. Miguna called for Ruto’s resignation, arguing that his administration has failed to address the people’s grievances and resorted to further corruption and brutality.
Proposed Way Forward
Miguna proposed the establishment of an independent National Transitional Authority, comprising representatives from all communities in Kenya, to oversee the investigation of corruption and human rights abuses. He suggested reconstituting the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) to ensure free and fair elections. Miguna emphasized that the struggle against the current regime is a collective one, affecting all Kenyans, and urged unity in demanding accountability and justice.
