In a day of escalating tensions, Kenyan police deployed tear gas to disperse anti-government protesters in the capital, Nairobi, as the nation grapples with widespread discontent against President William Ruto’s administration. The “Nane Nane” march, named after the date (August 8), is the latest in a series of demonstrations aimed at forcing Ruto to step down.
Protests Escalate Amid Growing Frustration
The protest movement, initially sparked by proposed tax hikes and economic grievances, has gained momentum over the past few months. What began as peaceful demonstrations in June quickly turned violent, leading to the deaths of more than 50 people. Thursday’s protests saw Nairobi’s financial district eerily deserted, with shops shuttered and streets blocked off by riot police.
Small groups of protesters, chanting “Ruto must go,” were met with tear gas as police moved to clear the streets. According to the acting Inspector General, Gilbert Masengeli, 174 people were arrested nationwide, including 126 in Nairobi alone. The protests, largely organized online and without official leadership, reflect the deepening discontent with Ruto’s leadership and the state of the nation.
In a troubling development, at least three journalists were injured when police fired tear gas canisters near them, according to the International Press Association of East Africa. The incident has raised concerns about press freedom and the safety of journalists covering the unrest.
Political Turmoil Deepens
As protests continued, police also conducted a raid on the home of opposition financier and presidential hopeful Jimi Wanjigi. According to his lawyer, Willis Otieno, Wanjigi was placed under what appears to be an illegal house arrest. Masengeli stated that officers found tear gas canisters and communications equipment in a vehicle at Wanjigi’s residence, but it remains unclear whether he was among those arrested or how the raid is connected to the protests.
The protests come at a critical juncture for President Ruto, who has faced his most significant political crisis since taking office two years ago. In response to the mounting pressure, Ruto scrapped the controversial tax hikes in June and overhauled his cabinet, removing all ministers except the foreign minister. However, these concessions have done little to quell the unrest.
Ruto’s decision to include opposition members in his new cabinet has been met with skepticism. Activists have criticized the move as a corrupt deal rather than a genuine attempt to address the nation’s challenges. Despite Ruto’s promises to investigate police abuses during the protests, he has largely defended the actions of law enforcement, maintaining that the protests have no place in Kenya’s democracy.
A Nation at a Crossroads
As Kenya navigates this period of turmoil, Ruto’s reconstituted cabinet was sworn in on Thursday. In his speech, Ruto emphasized the importance of national unity over political divisions, stating, “Where Kenya is today, while competition is healthy and good, there is a moment where the interest of a nation is greater than the interest of a political formation.”
Despite this call for unity, the protest movement shows no signs of slowing down. Ruto, who initially praised the peaceful nature of earlier demonstrations, has since intensified his criticism, warning that there is “no room for anarchy, chaos, and violence” in Kenya. The police, anticipating further unrest, have urged citizens to avoid crowded areas and have increased their presence across the country.
As the situation unfolds, Kenya stands at a crossroads, with the actions of both the government and the protest movement likely to shape the nation’s future. The international community is closely watching how Ruto’s administration handles the crisis, particularly in light of ongoing concerns about governance, economic stability, and human rights.
Source: Reuters Â
