NAIROBI: After weeks of violent protests, a leading rights activist and former chief justice have emerged as presidential contenders — but can they succeed in the bare-knuckle world of Kenyan politics?
President William Ruto has seen his popularity plummet since coming to power in 2022 over continued economic stagnation, corruption, police brutality, and abductions targeting government critics.
Ruto has stood firm against waves of violent protests seeking to force his resignation in mid-2024 and again in recent months, in which hundreds have died or disappeared.
However, many are now seeking new faces who can challenge him in the next election, scheduled for 2027.
Firebrand human rights activist Boniface Mwangi announced his bid for the top seat on Wednesday, vowing not to work with “anyone who is contaminated.”
