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Tear Gas Clouds Kenyan Streets as Anti-Ruto Protests Reignite

Thursday 08 August 2024 - 16:10

Nairobi, Kenya's capital, was shrouded in tear gas as police fired rounds to disperse small groups of demonstrators gathered for the "Nane Nane" (Eight Eight) march, renewing protests against President William Ruto. Initially sparked by proposed tax hikes, the protests have evolved into broader calls for reform and accountability within Ruto's administration.

The central business district descended into chaos as riot police patrolled the streets, setting up roadblocks on major thoroughfares while many shops remained closed. The East African nation, known for its relative regional stability, has been rocked by weeks of protests, predominantly led by young Kenyans from Generation Z, which have sometimes turned deadly.

The "Nane Nane" march, named after the date August 8, followed weeks of similar pro-reform demonstrations that pressured Ruto to scrap planned tax increases and overhaul his cabinet. In what has been described as the biggest crisis of his two-year tenure, Ruto yielded to pressure in June, shelving the new taxes after protesters briefly stormed parliament.

Last month, in a win for activists and demonstrators demanding sweeping changes, Ruto dismissed his entire cabinet, except for the foreign minister. While the president oversaw the swearing-in of a revamped cabinet on Thursday, just a few kilometers away, police launched tear gas canisters into the heart of the capital, detaining several individuals.

Despite the chaos in Nairobi, other major cities such as the coastal city of Mombasa and the western lakeside city of Kisumu appeared largely calm, with traffic flowing normally and no signs of unrest.

Stephens Wanjiku, a 29-year-old fashion stylist, expressed her resolve to continue protesting, demanding "good governance and accountability." Dressed in a bright blue robe, ski goggles, and multiple masks, Wanjiku recounted her experiences of police beatings, asserting that "police brutality should be a thing of the past; we should not be seeing it in 2024."

Kenya's acting Police Inspector General, Gilbert Masengeli, had issued a warning on Wednesday, cautioning that "criminals" intended to infiltrate the demonstrations. He advised citizens to stay away from protected zones such as the main international airport and Ruto's official residence and urged precautions in crowded areas.

What began as peaceful youth-led rallies against controversial proposed tax hikes has escalated into a broader movement against Ruto's administration and what many perceive as profligate government spending and corruption. The protests have claimed the lives of more than 50 individuals, with police facing accusations of using excessive force, including firing live ammunition. Additionally, rights groups have reported dozens of people missing during the demonstrations.

As tear gas clouds linger in the Kenyan capital, the "Nane Nane" march has reignited the flames of dissent, amplifying calls for reform and accountability within Ruto's government. The protesters' resolve, undeterred by the risk of violence, underscores the mounting frustrations and the determination to bring about substantial change in the East African nation.