Why Did Julius Malema Condemn Ruto’s Government?
South African opposition leader Julius Malema has openly criticized President William Ruto’s administration for its handling of the June 25 protests in Kenya. In a strong statement issued by his Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party, Malema accused the Kenyan government of violently repressing peaceful Gen Z demonstrators, censoring independent media, and tightening its grip on civic freedoms.
“The Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) condemns, in the strongest terms, the brutal repression of peaceful protesters, the censorship of independent media, and the escalating authoritarianism of the regime led by President William Ruto in Kenya,” the party stated.
The protests marked the first anniversary of the deadly 2024 demonstrations against the controversial IMF-backed Finance Bill. While the bill was eventually withdrawn, the protests have since grown into a national movement challenging economic inequality, state corruption, and police brutality.
What Did Malema Say About Kenyan Gen Z Protesters?
Malema’s message was one of unwavering solidarity with Kenya’s youth. He commended their refusal to accept corruption and their resilience in the face of state violence. “The EFF, therefore, once again declares its full solidarity with the youth of Kenya as we did last year in their fight against austerity through the Finance Bill. This is a generation that refuses to bow, refuses to be silenced, and refuses to accept a future stolen by corrupt elites,” the party said.
How Did the EFF Respond to the Media Ban?
The EFF also condemned what it called a deliberate attempt to suppress coverage of the protests. The party claimed President Ruto instructed the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) to ban live broadcasts, violating the Constitution’s protection of press freedom. “In a further act of desperation, President Ruto directed the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) to ban all live broadcasts of the protests, citing a deliberate misreading of the Constitution, which protects freedom of expression and media independence,” the statement read.
Although the High Court later suspended the ban, the EFF warned that such moves signal a dangerous shift toward authoritarian control. The party demanded the immediate lifting of all media restrictions and accountability for those responsible for protest-related deaths and injuries.
Malema’s vocal support adds international pressure on the Ruto administration as Gen Z protestors in Kenya continue to mobilize, calling for economic justice, democratic freedoms, and an end to state violence.
By Yockshard Enyendi
