Kenyan president faces tough choices after day of bloodshed

BBC:

After a day of protest, turmoil and bloodshed, Kenyan President William Ruto addressed the nation with a message of sadness and strength.

Saying “legitimate” protests against his policies had been “hijacked by a group of organised criminals,” he warned his government would use all means at its disposal to prevent a repeat of the violence – “at whatever cost”.

“Today’s events mark a critical point on how we respond to threats to our peace,” he said. “We will ensure a situation of this nature does not recur again.”

The president’s message was an attempt to seize back control after days of street protests which have grown in strength and number. On Tuesday, they escalated with at least five people shot dead and hundreds injured.

But in the longer term some around Mr Ruto must fear that things might not be so simple, and that the prospect of tough choices remain.

Elected in 2022 pledging to cut corruption, shore up the country’s faltering economy and help the poor, the embattled Mr Ruto now faces an unprecedented rebellion against a bill he says he is an essential part of his plan to build the nation.

It might be easier to know which way to turn if the opposition Mr Ruto faces were confined within parliament.