The year 2024 was marked by numerous unforgettable events that dominated news headlines and captured the nation’s attention.
From nationwide protests to the reconstitution of the Cabinet, Nairobileo.co.ke takes a look at major events that happened in 2024.
Mahi Mahiu Tragedy
More than 61 people were killed and several others injured in Mahi Mahiu town, Nakuru County, in April, 2024, after the Old Kijabe River burst its banks, sweeping away hundreds of people, livestock, and personal belongings.
The heavy flooding overturned vehicles, uprooted trees, and crushed nearly 100 houses in the area.
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Following the incident, President William Ruto deployed the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) to the area to assist in the search and recovery of bodies from the Mai Mahiu flood tragedy.
The government said the tragedy was the result of a blocked railway tunnel that prevented the proper flow of water.
"The channel got blocked due to debris, stones, trees, and soil brought about by the heavy downpour in the area thereby preventing water flowing through the River Tongi course and its small tributaries from moving downstream," said former Water CS Zachariah Njeru.
The state also allocated Ksh300 million to help the victims of the Mai Mahiu tragedy to get new houses.
Gen Z Anti-Finance Bill Demos
Generation Z, popularly known as Gen Z, in June, took to the streets to demonstrate against the controversial Finance Bill 2024 that sought to introduce new taxes.
The protests were witnessed across major towns and cities in Kenya, bringing business operations to a standstill.
The protests hit the climax on June 25 when the anti-finance bill protestors stormed the parliament buildings in Nairobi CBD and destroyed property of unknown value.
Several protestors were, however, shot dead by police officers who attempted to repulse the protestors from the Parliament buildings.
On June 26, 2024, President William Ruto announced he would not sign the Finance Bill into law and called for its withdrawal.
The Head of State pointed out that he would go by the wishes of the people.
“Listening keenly to the people of Kenya, who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this Finance Bill 2024, I concede and therefore I will not sign the 2024 Finance Bill and shall subsequently be withdrawn,” said Ruto.
President Ruto Hosting X Space
On July 5, 2024, President Ruto became the first African Head of State to engage with citizens in a live audio discussion on X Spaces.
The X space followed weeks of Gen Z-led anti-government protests against the controversial Finance Bill 2024.
The conversation dubbed #Engage the President attracted over 3 million listeners and explored multiple issues, including police brutality, corruption, and incompetence in the Cabinet.
The speakers who were allowed to speak in the space put President Ruto to task on why he seemed to be out of touch with reality and was ‘empathic’ after several Kenyans lost their lives during the anti-government protests.
Ruto was also questioned on the arrogance and opulence displayed by MPs associated with him and senior government officials, among other issues.
The president apologized for many mistakes and vowed to undertake radical changes in his government.
After the end of the X space, President Ruto went live on his X account and said he had heard the concerns of youth.
“I have heard you, and I have heard the many Kenyans who have spoken, and I am very happy that we are having this conversation on X,” said Ruto.
Sacking of Cabinet
Following President Ruto’s decision to decline to sign the Finance Bill into law the Gen Z-led protests changed into anti-government demos as they called for better governance. The protestors expressed their displeasure with how the Kenya Kwanza Government was governing the country.
On July 11, President Ruto dismissed all Cabinet Secretaries except Prime Cabinet Secretary Musalia Mudavadi to form a broad-based government.
“I have today, in line with the powers given to me by article 152 (1) and 152 (5b) of the constitution and section 12 of the office of the Attorney General’s act, decided to dismiss with immediate effect all the Cabinet Secretaries and the Attorney General of the cabinet of Kenya except the Prime Secretary and Secretary for Foreign Affairs and the office of the Deputy President is not affected in any way,” said Ruto.
ODM Joining Cabinet
Days after President Ruto dismissed almost the entire cabinet, he reconstituted the top decision-making organ and brought in 5 key allies of ODM leader Raila Odinga.
The five CSs included; Hassan Joho (Mining, Blue Economy and Maritime Affairs), John Mbadi Ng'ongo (National Treasury and Economic Planning), Beatrice Askul (EAC) James Opiyo Wandayi (Energy and Petroleum), and Wycliffe Ambetsa Oparanya (Co-operatives and Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) Development).
The move by President Ruto raised questions among Kenyans who wondered if ODM had entered into a coalition agreement with the Kenya Kwanza government.
The ODM party, in a statement, said the five members were in cabinet on their personal decision and did not have the blessings of the party.
Hillside Endarasha Academy Fire Tragedy
Fire erupted at the Hillside Endarasha Academy on Thursday, September 5, and claimed the lives of 21 pupils.
The ill-fated dormitory had housed 156 male learners when the tragedy hit. 19 pupils succumbed in the dormitory, while 2 others died while receiving treatment.
Following the tragedy, President Ruto proclaimed that the nation would observe three days of mourning to honour the victims.
“During this period of national mourning, the Flag of the Republic of Kenya and that of the East African Community (EAC) shall be flown at half-mast at State House, all Kenyan Page 3 of 3 Diplomatic Missions, Public Buildings, Public Grounds, all Military Bases, Posts, Stations, all Naval Vessels of the Republic of Kenya, and throughout the entire territory of the Republic of Kenya, from dawn Monday, 9th September 2024 until sunset on Wednesday, 11th September 2024,’ he announced.
President Ruto also ordered a thorough investigation following the fire incident.
