“It’s The Effect Of Ruto Friendship With Macron” – Ex 1st Gentleman Reacts To France Demos

Kenyan musician Murega Baichu has stirred online debate after sharing a Facebook post on the friendship between President William Ruto and French President Emmanuel Macron. He is the husband of former Meru Governor Kawira Mwangaza.

On Monday October 19 Baichu posted a photograph of the two leaders standing side by side at a formal event. The caption read that walking with a bad character spoiled Macron values and that he was crying for France.

The post attracted dozens of reactions within minutes. It offers a critical comment on the diplomatic association between the two leaders. Baichu appears to suggest that closeness to Ruto has damaged the image of the French leader. He expressed mock sympathy for France.

Some online users linked the remark to the 2024 Gen Z protests in Kenya. They suggested that the friendship may have mirrored dynamics that fuelled the unrest. There is no established link to support this claim.

The protests peaked in June and July 2024. They were triggered mainly by the proposed Finance Bill 2024 which sought higher taxes on essential goods and services. High living costs and youth unemployment also drove the demonstrations. Perceptions of corruption and elite excess added to the anger.

The leaderless and digitally organised protests forced the withdrawal of the bill. They also led to a Cabinet reshuffle. Some analysts have compared the Kenyan movement to the Gilets Jaunes protests in France under Macron. They cite shared themes of austerity and weakened institutions.

Baichu is a well-known guitarist and a political supporter of his wife who was impeached as governor. He often comments on national and local political matters.

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