Faith Nyasuguta
The Kenyan government has announced a ban on ongoing demonstrations in central Nairobi, citing claims that criminal gangs have infiltrated the protests.
Acting Police Chief Douglas Kanja Kiricho issued a statement asserting that these groups plan to exploit the protests for violent activities, including looting. Consequently, all demonstrations in the Nairobi Central Business District and its surrounding areas have been prohibited to ensure public safety.
Initially, the protests began peacefully about a month ago in response to proposed tax hikes but later turned violent, resulting in at least 50 civilian deaths. The protests, largely driven by the youth, led to President William Ruto withdrawing the legislation and dismissing most of his cabinet.
Despite this, activists remain dissatisfied, demanding Ruto’s resignation and reforms to combat corruption and improve governance.
Government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura stated that the country has lost approximately six billion Kenyan shillings ($46 million) due to the demonstrations.
“The president and the government at large have heard you loud and clear and we are ready to act on your concerns,” Mwaura said in a televised statement. He did not provide details on how this figure was calculated but assured that the government is willing to address the protesters’ concerns.
In response to the protests, President Ruto promised to establish a broad-based government. However, the opposition coalition rejected this proposal, calling instead for a constitutional convention. President Ruto’s office scheduled “multi-sectoral” talks this week to address the protesters’ grievances, but as of Thursday, it is unclear whether these discussions have commenced.
These protests mirror the recent anti-Finance Bill demonstrations in Kenya, driven by young Kenyans dubbed Gen Z. The civil disobedience aimed to pressure the government to withdraw proposed new taxes in the bill, which many deemed punitive.
The government had reported that 25 people died when these protests turned violent, and property worth millions of shillings was destroyed after goons reportedly infiltrated the peaceful processions. Many have dubbed the government insensitive for not knowing the actual number of those that died.
President Ruto eventually declined to sign the Finance Bill into law and sent it back to Parliament on June 26, asking MPs to delete all contentious clauses. Recently, President Ruto engaged with Gen Z on social media platform X, where the youth outlined their main concerns.
The President admitted that the Finance Bill, 2024, was rejected largely due to “falsehood and propaganda” but assured the youth that he had heard their suggestions and would work on them.
“My administration has always believed in listening and engaging, and that is why I go around the country to engage people. I rarely sit in the office. I go to different places to engage with Kenyans,” he said. “I have gone home with ‘I need to listen more, I need more empathy.’ My administration needs more empathy, and I have heard you say more action,” he added.
Despite these efforts, the opposition and activists continue to push for more substantial changes, including the end of corruption and improved governance.
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