The events that led William Ruto to\u00a0abandon his budget\u00a0might in time be seen as a milestone moment \u2013 not only for Kenya\u2019s president but also for the power of youth on the world\u2019s youngest continent.<\/p>\n
Through the potency of protest, organised largely organically, a movement initiated by young people on social media has forced one of Africa\u2019s most internationally regarded leaders to junk his flagship policy.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not that Mr Ruto now realises he had been wrong to push for the tax hikes which caused so much anger across Kenya. In fact he began his address to the nation on Wednesday with a robust and detailed explanation of exactly why he believed they were needed.<\/p>\n
His government, he said, had made the tough choices necessary to stabilise the economy and to help ease Kenya out of a debt trap which forces it to spend 61 cents of every tax dollar on repaying its loans.<\/p>\n
The finance bill was essential, he claimed, to \u201credeem our country from the discomfort of debt and assert our sovereignty\u201d.<\/p>\n
That makes it all the more astonishing that the turmoil of recent days has forced the embattled president to change course so completely.<\/p>\n
Instead of raising extra revenue, Mr Ruto now intends to balance the books by introducing a new programme of public austerity.<\/p>\n
It will notably include a cut to spending in his own office \u2013 a clear nod to the fury heard from many on the streets about perceived corruption and government largesse.<\/p>\n
And in an attempt to reach out directly to Kenya\u2019s youth, the president promised to engage and listen to them.<\/p>\n
Mr Ruto spoke in front of an audience of his own MPs, whom he thanked for having backed his bill. Many might now be forgiven for wondering where his U-turn leaves their credibility.<\/p>\n
There is no doubt that the last two days have been severely bruising for the president.<\/p>\n
His security forces were roundly condemned for a brutal response to Tuesday\u2019s demonstrations in which at least 22 people are reported to have died, several shot by police.<\/p>\n
In the immediate aftermath of the bloody protests Mr Ruto highlighted the criminal excesses at the heart of the chaos, threatening a robust response to the storming of parliament and widespread looting.<\/p>\n
But his concession on the substance of his policy on Wednesday came too with the acceptance that the demonstrations had at heart been a legitimate expression of anger.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt has become evident,\u201d he acknowledged, \u201cthat members of the public still insist on the need for us to make more concessions\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cI run a government, but I also lead people, and the people have spoken.\u201d<\/p>\n
At home, the question now is whether the people believe the withdrawal of Mr Ruto\u2019s finance bill goes far enough.<\/p>\n
Some have called for planned protests on Thursday to go ahead, demanding the president\u2019s resignation.<\/p>\n
The days ahead will show whether the genie of public fury can be put back into the bottle.<\/p>\n
Beyond Kenya, Mr Ruto will be wondering how the crisis has affected his global standing.<\/p>\n
Some of his country\u2019s closest diplomatic allies and the UN secretary general demanded Kenya uphold the right to peaceful public protest.<\/p>\n
That pressure might have played a part in the difference in tone between his speeches Tuesday and Wednesday.<\/p>\n
Perhaps the backlash to the violence displayed by his security forces will prove as powerful in shaping Mr Ruto\u2019s response as the sight of thousands demonstrating against him.<\/p>\n
Whatever led to his new path, less than two years into his tenure the task now for Mr Ruto is to rebuild and to regain momentum.<\/p>\n
But Kenya\u2019s president is left to pursue an economic policy which he doesn\u2019t seem to believe in.<\/p>\n
Some of Mr Ruto\u2019s opponents may see today\u2019s message as a statement of intent \u2013 a lesson hard-learned by a humbled leader.<\/p>\n
But for others this victory over the powerful might provide fresh impetus to keep challenging the president\u2019s authority.<\/p>\n
And this episode could resonate elsewhere in Africa too.<\/p>\n
Because although Mr Ruto\u2019s U-turn was driven ultimately by more than just the anger of the young, he recognised himself that it was Kenya\u2019s youth who sparked the fire.<\/p>\n
As a continent, Africa has the youngest population on earth, with almost three-quarters of citizens under 35.<\/p>\n
Many of them will see Wednesday\u2019s events as proof that with enough determination, they can force their leaders to hear their voices.<\/p>\n