The complex challenge in translating campaign promises into effective policies and the potential disconnect between electoral outcomes and public sentiment.

I

 vividly remember in June 2022, William Ruto unveiled and presented all hailed Kenya kwanza manifesto to Kenya and the rest of the world; ahead of the then awaited 9 august 2022 #kenyadecides2022. President Ruto’s manifesto echoed strong and radical economic transformation. Anchored on seven pillars aimed at transforming Kenya’s economy using his believed bottom-up model. The manifesto intended to address challenges such as unemployment, dependence on low-productive agriculture, rising energy and food prices, and poverty. The document proposed bold and radical economic reforms and empowerment for citizens at the bottom of the pyramid.

With his seven pillars, extracted from his manifesto (economic transformation; agriculture and food security; affordable healthcare; education and skills development; manufacturing and industrialization; infrastructure development; and youth and women empowerment) and his five-point plan: (job creation; affordable loans; investment in agriculture; universal healthcare and ending state capture). Mr Ruto was declared the winner of the presidential election by the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya. With 50.49% of the valid votes cast, William Ruto's share of votes against Raila Odinga who received 48.85% of the votes, won the majority. looking at Ruto’s share of votes, one could agree with me that Ruto’s manifesto garnered and represented a democratically 50% share of Kenyans who participated in the 2022 elections. However, the recent protests following the introduction of the 2024 Finance Bill raise questions about the government's commitment to its promises and the suitability of Western-style democracy in Kenya and Africa.

Fast forward to 2024, May 13, based on the bold and radical manifesto #thekenyafinancebill, 2024 was tabled to the national assembly sparking widespread debate and recent protests about the bill. What happened to the radical approach almost half of Kenyans voted for? How could the electorate suddenly have lost confidence in something that they voted in confidence for with 50.49% significance? Is it the ethnical divide that overweighs Kenya? Is Western-style democracy universally applicable? Can economic growth coexist with social justice? Beyond elections in Africa, what defines democracy? Market-driven policies and inequality, policy gap?

In the wake of recent protests in Kenya, I find myself at a crossroads and I believe it might be so for many. To me, the recent protest in Kenya reflects a clash between Western-style democracy and African cultural democracies, and truly this fissure continues to intensify, revealing deep-rooted tensions. The protests highlight the underlying clash between economic growth and social justice. While Kenya's GDP has grown by an estimated 5.4% as of 2023, many citizens still need to grapple with high living costs and unemployment. The Finance Bill, with its tax hikes, has exacerbated these concerns, leading to widespread discontent. So, I believe that the 21st-century clashes within African democracies and civilizations will be on this fissure of governance. I argue that there will always be negative social responses to forced liberalization, characterized by revolts and contentious reactions across Africa including the Middle East.

This situation reflects a broader tension between Western-style democracy and traditional African values. While the former emphasizes individualism and free markets, the latter prioritizes communal well-being and consensus-based decision-making. This disconnect can lead to policies prioritizing economic growth at the expense of social welfare, as seen in Kenya's rising inequality.

As a matter of fact (not undermining the positive developments brought by Western-style democracy), the promise of economic growth often clashes with the reality of social upheaval. This correlation is true as citizens demand their voices be heard, thus we witness a delicate dance between progress and resistance. One of the chief reasons that can be ascribed to this political phenomenon is that African cultural democracies are predicated upon communalism and morality, not competition. Figuratively speaking, Kenya’s cultural fabric creates a rich drapery of communal values derived from an African philosophy “ubuntu”. #ubuntu precedes that our humanity is interconnected, and fundamentally this belief guides many African civilizations and societies. Here, democracy extends beyond individual rights; it encompasses collective well-being. Communalism fosters solidarity, but it also poses challenges. Thus, decision-making becomes intricate, as consensus-building takes time. Yet, this ethos remains resilient, grounding Kenya’s identity.

On the other hand, western-style democracy is a double-edged sword. Rooted in liberalism and self-interest-seeking free-market principles, western-style democracy has shaped global governance. However, its impact on Africa is nuanced and always in conflict with the African cultural needed type of democracy. While Western-style democracy champions individual liberties, sometimes it neglects the welfare of the poor. And that market-driven policies can exacerbate inequality as historically documented, leaving vulnerable populations behind. I would want to believe that Kenya’s informal settlements bear witness to this paradox—a stark reminder that progress must uplift all.

Given this background for Kenya, a harmonious blend sounds feasible, as Kenya navigates its democratic path. I should be on record stating out loud that neither cultural democracies nor western ideals hold all the answers particularly when it comes to the African context. Howbeit economic growth needs not sacrifice social justice. Kenya’s protests should serve as a reminder that democracy thrives when it embraces complexity, transcending rigid boundaries.