President William Ruto’s declaration that he won’t relinquish power to the opposition has intensified fears of democratic erosion and raised questions about whether he is beginning to panic.

Speaking on 17 June in the Rift Valley town of Naivasha, Ruto ridiculed his opponents as “tribalists with no plan” and appeared to mock the idea of conceding defeat. “We cannot hand over leadership to such people,” he told supporters in the west of the capital, Nairobi. However, he later added that leadership is not defined by how many terms one serves, but critics say the damage is already done.

His comments have ignited fears that the president, who campaigned as a reformer, is now laying the groundwork for a disputed election and an unconstitutional power grab. To many Kenyans, his remarks crossed the line. Critics say they signal not just contempt for the opposition, but for constitutional democracy itself.

“Kenya is a constitutional democracy, not your empire,” said constitutional lawyer Willis Otieno, stressing that under the Kenyan constitution, the peaceful transfer of power is not optional: “If Ruto loses and refuses to hand over, the inauguration will go on with or without him.”

Under the Assumption of the Office of President Act, once the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) declares a winner and the Supreme Court affirms it, the handover must proceed. If the outgoing president boycotts the ceremony, his absence won’t invalidate the transition.

If Ruto refuses to hand over the ceremonial sword and Constitution — symbols of executive authority — he will become the first Kenyan leader since independence in 1963 to flout this democratic ritual.

A presidency under pressure?

Analysts say behind Ruto’s bravado lies a growing sense of unease ahead of the next election. The economy is teetering under the weight of public debt and high cost of living, protests are surging, and a more unified opposition is beginning to emerge.

Ruto may have delivered on some key policy interventions, but poor communications, economic pain, and police brutality have made him deeply unpopular

His former deputy, Rigathi Gachagua, has teamed up with political heavyweights including Kalonzo Musyoka, Eugene Wamalwa, Martha Karua and Fred Matiang’i to forge a united front. Gachagua was quick to respond to the president’s remarks: “It’s good that Ruto has admitted he will be ousted,” he told a rally in Kirinyaga county.

At the same time, Ruto allies have made public comments that further inflamed concerns. “Even if he does not get enough votes, we shall add him more,” said Oscar Sudi, MP for Kapseret. Senate majority leader Aaron Cheruiyot added, “It is our responsibility to uphold the tradition of two-term presidencies.”

The rhetoric has raised fears that the 2027 election may not be fought on a level playing field or respected if lost.

The Gen-Z factor

For many young Kenyans, Ruto’s words seem to confirm a broader shift away from democratic norms. On 17 June—the same day he made his remarks—police opened fire on peaceful Gen-Z protesters in Nairobi, following the death in custody of 31-year-old blogger Albert Ojwang. Shocking footage, including a protester being shot at close range, quickly went viral.

Kenya is a constitutional democracy, not your empire

Amnesty International Kenya called it “a dark day for the right to protest”, accusing the state of deploying “violent groups with support from the very authorities meant to protect us”.

Gachagua condemned the brutality, calling it “one of the lowest moments in our post-independence history”, and accused Ruto of turning Kenya into “a pariah state”.

The protests are the latest expression of youth-led frustration over rising inequality, police brutality and the president’s perceived betrayal of his 2022 campaign promises.

After the 2024 Finance Bill protests, Ruto sought détente with veteran opposition leader Raila Odinga, co-opting parts of his ODM party into government. But even Raila’s support or silence may not be enough to rescue the president’s battered image. ODM Secretary-General Edwin Sifuna is among those unconvinced that an alliance would help. “Ruto has lost the people. Even if Raila supports him, he will still lose,” Sifuna said.

Analysts agree that the opposition still lacks cohesion, but say a credible challenger like Matiang’i, the former interior minister, could mount a serious campaign. “Ruto may have delivered on some key policy interventions,” says political analyst Dismas Mokua, “but poor communications, economic pain, and police brutality have made him deeply unpopular”.

A stress test for Kenyan democracy

Ruto’s comments may have been intended to project strength, but many say it instead exposed his growing vulnerability.

With the economy fragile, opposition unity on the rise and youth protests building momentum, the real question is no longer just whether Ruto can win a second term but whether Kenya’s democracy can survive the pressure.

“Ruto has shot himself in the foot,” says governance expert Torosterdt Alenga. “It’s clear the handover of power could be contested. His allies are rattled and for good reason. 2027 is no longer a sure thing.”

Bolivia is grappling with a national crisis as anti-government protests turn deadly, claiming multiple lives and threatening the country’s fragile stability.

At least four first responders—three police officers and a firefighter—have lost their lives in confrontations between protesters and authorities.

Justice Minister Cesar Siles confirmed the deaths, stating that some officers were reportedly shot.

The violent turn has shifted the government’s view of the protests, with Siles describing the situation as involving “paramilitary groups” that require a firm response.

The protests are fueled largely by supporters of former President Evo Morales, who was barred from contesting the upcoming August 17 election by the electoral tribunal.

Morales’ supporters argue that his disqualification is politically motivated and unjust, deepening tensions within the ruling MAS party.

Bolivia’s economic situation has worsened, with high inflation and dwindling foreign reserves intensifying public frustration.

Many citizens feel abandoned by a government they believe has failed to uphold the country’s once-celebrated economic model. Morales warned that without urgent change, Bolivia risks falling into “total collapse.”

The government’s response has become increasingly militarized, with tanks and heavily armed security forces deployed to affected areas.

Businesses have been forced to shut down, and transportation has come to a standstill, disrupting daily life and economic activities.

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In Nixing EV Standards, Trump Strikes at Two Foes: California and Elon Musk

In a move with far-reaching environmental and political consequences, President Donald Trump has officially rolled back federal recognition of California’s electric vehicle (EV) mandates.

With this decision, Trump not only dismantled key climate goals established under the Biden administration but also took aim at two familiar opponents: the state of California and tech mogul Elon Musk.

At a ceremonial signing event, Trump nullified rules that would have required California—and other states following its lead—to significantly increase the share of zero-emission vehicles.

Under the now-repealed standards, 35 percent of all new vehicle sales in California would have needed to be emission-free by 2026, with that figure rising to 68 percent by 2030 and 100 percent by 2035.

Trump cast the previous rules as a dangerous overreach by environmental extremists and accused the Biden administration of outsourcing American auto policy to California.

“Under the previous administration, the federal government gave left-wing radicals in California dictatorial powers to control the future of the entire car industry all over the country — all over the world, actually,” Trump said.

“This horrible scheme would effectively abolish the internal combustion engine, which most people prefer.”

The former president warned that forcing electric vehicles onto the market would lead to soaring energy costs and strain power grids.

“Energy prices would likewise soar as the radical left forced more electric vehicles onto the grid while blocking approvals for new power plants,” he added. “The result would be rolling blackouts and a collapse of our power systems.”

The decision triggered an immediate backlash from California’s leadership, with Governor Gavin Newsom vowing to fight back.

“Trump’s all-out assault on California continues,” a spokesperson for Newsom said.

“We are suing to stop this latest illegal action by a President who is a wholly owned subsidiary of big polluters.” California, along with several other states that follow its environmental standards, has already filed lawsuits to preserve their autonomy in setting stricter emissions goals.

The rollback also marks a sharp blow to Elon Musk, whose electric vehicle company, Tesla, stands to lose significant ground under a weakened regulatory framework.

Once seen as an unlikely ally of Trump, Musk has since become a vocal critic. Trump, in turn, mocked the billionaire during the announcement, saying, “Now, I know why Elon doesn’t like me so much. Which he does, actually.”

He continued, “I used to say, ‘I’m amazed that he’s endorsing me,’ because that can’t be good for him. He makes electric cars, and we’re saying, ‘You’re not going to be able to make electric cars. You can make them, but it’ll be by the market.’”

Trump also hinted at expanding tariffs on imported vehicles beyond the current 25 percent.

“If they want a Mercedes-Benz, you’re going to have it made here,” he said. “Otherwise, they’re going to pay a very big tariff. I might go up with that tariff in the not-too-distant future.”

The significance of Trump’s move goes beyond partisan battles. For decades, California has set the pace for U.S. environmental standards, with 17 states typically adopting its emissions benchmarks.

Repealing California’s EV mandate and federal fuel economy rules effectively stalls national momentum for cleaner transportation and undermines confidence in the EV market.

Environmental groups describe it as a direct attack on efforts to curb climate change and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.

Tesla, which has thrived under policies that incentivize electric vehicles, now faces a political and economic climate increasingly hostile to its business model.

The rollback, combined with the removal of federal EV tax credits and expanded tariffs, could dampen demand and make electric cars less affordable for American consumers.

China has announced plans to eliminate tariffs on imports from all 53 African countries with which it maintains diplomatic relations.

This policy shift aims to deepen trade relations and position China as a leading trade and investment partner for the continent.

The zero-tariff initiative, when fully implemented, would expand on a 2024 agreement that removed import duties on goods from 33 African nations classified as “least developed.”

The new policy will now include larger economies like Nigeria and South Africa, further deepening trade ties between Beijing and the continent.

However, Eswatini, the only African country that maintains diplomatic relations with Taiwan, is excluded from the deal.

Middle-income African countries with more developed manufacturing and export sectors are expected to benefit significantly from this arrangement.

Nations like Kenya, South Africa, Nigeria, Egypt, and Morocco will gain duty-free access to the Chinese market, enabling them to export a wider range of processed and value-added goods without tariff barriers.

China has also pledged additional support for smaller or less industrialized African economies, promising tailored programs to help them take advantage of the new trade benefits.

Despite the optimistic tone, trade between China and Africa continues to show a significant imbalance, with China enjoying a trade surplus of around $62 billion.

Analysts warn that unless African exports to China increase substantially, this disparity may grow.

The new tariff policy is seen as a strategic move to help rebalance trade flows and strengthen Beijing’s influence on the African continent.

This initiative follows broader economic commitments made by China, including a pledge of 360 billion yuan (approximately $50 billion) in credit lines and investments over a three-year period.

The move reflects Beijing’s ongoing efforts to cement its role as a key economic partner in Africa and offer an alternative to Western-led trade systems.

With the tariff walls coming down, African nations now face the dual challenge of scaling up production capacity and ensuring the quality of exports. If successfully harnessed, the opportunity could mark a new chapter in Africa–China relations—one defined by more equitable trade and shared prosperity.