Kenya is in the grip of escalating protests as demonstrators across the country call for President William Ruto to step down. The protests, which initially began as opposition to a contentious tax bill, have now transformed into a broader movement against corruption, unemployment, and government mismanagement. The rising tension has resulted in violent confrontations between protesters and police forces, with tear gas and live ammunition being used against unarmed civilians.
In central Nairobi, the atmosphere is charged with anger and defiance. Police officers, visibly furious and shocked, have faced off against determined young protesters who are marching through the streets despite the heavy crackdown. The chants have evolved from rejecting the tax bill to a resounding call for “Ruto must go.” The tragic loss of dozens of lives in the past two weeks has intensified the demands for the president’s resignation.
“We are educated but don’t have jobs. We have time and will do this every day until we are heard,” one young woman declared, expressing the frustration and determination shared by many protesters.
In response to the growing unrest, police forces have fired explosive tear gas canisters directly at the backs of fleeing protesters. Some of the demonstrators have bravely caught the non-explosive canisters and thrown them back. In more volatile areas, the sound of live ammunition and small-arms gunfire occasionally punctuates the air.
At a Medics for Kenya treatment tent, volunteer medics are working tirelessly to aid the injured. One man with a gunshot wound was carried into the tent, clearly shot from behind. Shortly after, several protesters suffering from tear gas exposure arrived for treatment. The volunteer medics themselves were soon hit by a cloud of tear gas, but they quickly washed their faces and resumed their critical work.
As crowds gather, heavily armed, plain-clothed men in pickup trucks have been seen driving through the protesters. Larger trucks randomly pick up young men from the streets, arresting them without clear charges. When questioned, officers gave vague reasons such as “they look suspicious” or “for protesting,” and their commander dismissed further inquiries with a curt, “Do your job and we’ll do ours.”
Kenya’s constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest, but the National Human Rights Commission (KNHRC) reports 627 arrests of protesters between June 18 and July 1, with the number expected to rise. Additionally, the KNHRC has recorded 32 cases of abduction and forced disappearances.
Among those affected is Gabriel Oguda, a prominent commentator and parliamentary policy analyst for the opposition Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). He was abducted from his home in the early hours of June 25, the day protesters breached parliament. Oguda, who has a significant following on social media, recounted his harrowing experience of being held incommunicado and interrogated by security agents who suspected him of leading the protest movement.
“They are dealing with a different generation,” Oguda explained, referring to the Gen Z-led movement that operates without a central leader. “They’re getting angry like why are you shooting us? They are looking for remorse. I don’t think he [Ruto] is capable of remorse.”
The protests have garnered international attention, with calls for calm and restraint from various quarters. The ongoing violence and the government’s heavy-handed response have only fueled the protesters’ resolve.
As Kenya braces for continued unrest, the demands for accountability and change grow louder. The streets of Nairobi and other cities remain battlegrounds, with protesters determined to fight for their future and demand the resignation of President Ruto.
Stay tuned for further updates as the situation develops. The unfolding events in Kenya highlight the critical importance of upholding democratic rights and addressing the grievances of the populace.
This article provides a detailed narrative of the ongoing protests in Kenya, emphasizing the key issues, reactions, and broader implications for the country’s political landscape.