Kenya experienced widespread unrest, with riot police clashing with protesters in Nairobi and other cities across the country. This marks the most extensive demonstrations since deadly protests a week ago that resulted in at least two dozen fatalities.
According to Reuters, the protests began peacefully but turned violent as the day progressed. In Nairobi’s business district, police fired tear gas and charged at stone-throwing demonstrators. The news agency describes scenes of burning kiosks, injured protesters, and police arrests.
Reuters reports that the unrest has spread beyond the capital, with hundreds marching in Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city. The news agency notes that protests also occurred in Kisumu, Nakuru, Kajiado, Migori, Mlolongo, and Rongo.
The demonstrations, as reported by Reuters, indicate that President William Ruto has failed to quell the spontaneous youth protest movement, despite abandoning plans for tax increases that initially sparked the unrest.
Reuters cites the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, which states that 39 Kenyans have been killed in demonstrations and clashes with police since June 18.
The news agency reports that protesters are calling for Ruto’s resignation, with activist Ojango Omondi telling Reuters, “We are determined to push for the president’s resignation.”
According to Reuters, the protests have evolved from online anger over proposed tax hikes into a nationwide movement against corruption and misgovernance. The news agency notes that while opposition leader Raila Odinga has backed the protesters, demonstrators have called for politicians to stay out of the movement.
Reuters reports that President Ruto is caught between pressure from lenders like the IMF to reduce deficits and a population struggling with rising living costs. The news agency states that Ruto has directed the treasury to find ways to cut spending and suggested more borrowing may be necessary.
Why are the authorities in Kenya shooting at young protesters in 2024? Why use live bullets & teargas on the young? What is wrong with William Ruto?
— NEFERTITI (@firstladyship) June 25, 2024
Like EndSARS Protests in Nigeria in 2020, the young in Kenya are out on the streets, protesting. They said NO to a controversial… pic.twitter.com/gEQklbBb8j
