Bread is undoubtedly one of the main foods for almost every human being on earth, the first meal they take in the morning is accompanied by a beverage or soup. Unlike European and Asian countries where bread is eaten as a course meal for lunch and even supper; in Kenya and East Africa at large its mainly a breakfast delicacy. The reason for this stems from the British colonization of Kenya that saw the population take up some practices such as the British breakfast which is mostly made of bread, tea, and a source of protein like omelette or sausages.
The ongoing demonstrations in Kenya are largely linked to the Finance Bill 2024 that the President and his ruling party were vehemently advocating for. Amongst the many things that the bill seeks to tax is bread, which had been removed from the zero-rating status and burdened with a 16% VAT which could have seen the price of bread rise to about KSH 72 from the previously already expensive price of KSH 60. This amongst other increases in taxation of products like cooking oil, fuel, and sanitary pads led to widespread and countrywide demonstrations that led to the loss of lives and destruction of property.
In the nick of time, the President succumbed to the pressure and withdrew the finance bill. However, demonstrations are still ongoing with people now demanding his resignation from power with people citing corruption, theft, police brutality and other reasons.
Looking at all these issues, President Ruto had been increasing the prices of things since his take over but things escalated when he touched the bread. This brings the memories of the French Revolution that led to the end of an empire just because the price of bread was increased. Like the French Revolution, the Kenyan revolution gained momentum when the government touched bread; the first meal people take after waking up. With the demonstrations still ongoing; it’s only time that will tell whether bread will be the end of Ruto’s administration or if he will survive to lead another day.
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