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After deadly protests, Ruto seeks football distraction

President William Ruto congratulates Harambee Stars on their victory over Morocco and their historic qualification for the CHAN knockout stages, in Nairobi, on August 11, 2025. [PCS]

Whether in a sports jersey or a suit, Kenyan President William Ruto is casting himself as a model supporter of the national football team as an international tournament provides respite from recent bloody protests against his regime.

In June and July, the east African country, usually known as a beacon of calm in the turbulent Horn of Africa region, saw violent anti-government protests that left 65 dead, according to a police watchdog.

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