William Ruto is taking Kenya to a dangerous place

For the past two decades, if you searched a map of Africa for a country that was relatively stable politically and successful economically, one stood out: Kenya. Home to 57m people from 40 ethnic groups, the east African country has grown steadily and sustained a largely peaceful democracy. But now the picture is looking bleak. Kenyans are increasingly discontented and venting their anger in the streets. President William Ruto, elected in 2022 on a promise to improve the lives of ordinary Kenyans, has responded to demonstrations with brutality and censorship. A spiral of riot and repression is eroding civil liberties and may jeopardise economic reforms. Mr Ruto must change tack.