The standing ovation President William Ruto received from MPs in Parliament last Thursday, when he cancelled the controversial Adani deals, appeared to be another masterstroke he has pulled while reeling under enormous pressure.

It was a tough week for the President, especially after Catholic bishops, later supported by other church leaders, criticised him and his government over poor governance and unfulfilled promises.

The unexpected cancellation of the contracts came as a big surprise to many Kenyans, just as was the case when he rejected the Finance Bill, 2024, that had been passed by Parliament. Ruto made the surprise decision to reject it entirely in June, following nationwide Gen Z protests.