Kenya stands at a critical juncture, facing significant political challenges under President William Ruto’s administration. Recent anti-government protests, driven by widespread discontent with the Finance Bill 2024, have been met with police brutality, arbitrary arrests, and threats to media freedom. These actions echo the tactics of Peru’s former leader Alberto Fujimori, whose full name humorously includes “Kenya.” Fujimori, who was in power from 1990 to 2000, maintained a democratic façade while employing authoritarian measures. His regime was marked by human rights abuses, media manipulation, and suppression of political opposition, reflecting a modern autocratic approach known as “spin dictatorship.”

In Kenya, Ruto’s administration mirrors Fujimori’s use of sophisticated means to consolidate power, such as controlling media narratives and employing legal and extralegal measures against opponents. Ruto has strategically co-opted opposition members into the government, effectively weakening the opposition wing in parliament and disabling effective oversight. This strategy of deception and control highlights the evolving nature of modern autocracies, where maintaining an image of democracy is crucial while reshaping public beliefs and limiting dissent. The recent protests led by Gen Z underscore the growing resistance among informed and digitally savvy citizens, who play a vital role in documenting abuses, organizing movements, and mounting effective resistance.

Despite the efforts of unscrupulous politicians, stable democracies resist sliding into spin dictatorships due to a combination of robust democratic institutions and the active resistance of informed citizens. This educated and connected subset of the population, including a significant presence of Gen Z, opposes attempts to usurp power by utilizing their organizational skills and knowledge. Without such active participation, even the best-designed democratic institutions cannot function effectively. Kenya’s situation, much like Peru under Fujimori, highlights the critical importance of defending democratic principles against sophisticated authoritarian tactics.

References:

KNHCR Finance Bill 2024: Ruto regime must end repression of peaceful protesters

VOA Kenyan president warns of huge consequences over debt plan failure

The Star I had powers to shut down media during protests but I didn’t – Ruto

Aljazeera Kenya police fire tear gas as protesters call for Ruto to quit

Spin Dictators: The Changing Face of Tyranny in the 21st Century, written by Sergei Guriev and Daniel Treisman