Kenyan police used tear gas to disperse small groups of protesters in Nairobi, the country capital on Tuesday, as youth activists reignited demonstrations following deadly anti-tax hike protests last month, AFP reporters observed.
Activists intensified their opposition to President William Ruto, despite his recent decision not to sign into law the controversial finance bill that sparked what he called “treasonous” protests.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported on Monday that 39 people had died and 361 were injured during two weeks of protests, condemning the police’s use of force as “excessive and disproportionate.”
The central business district of Nairobi, a previous rally hotspot, saw closed shops and sporadic tear gas fired by police at small gatherings on Tuesday morning. Local politician John Kwenya expressed frustration over the closures, stating, “They are scared. I told people to open their businesses, but most have fear, they even moved their goods from the shops.” He labeled the situation as “economic sabotage,” attributing the last protest to “goons” rather than Gen-Z activists.
Meanwhile, Kenyan TV showed larger crowds protesting in the coastal opposition stronghold of Mombasa, with smaller rallies and heavy police presence in Kisumu, Nakuru, and Nyeri. Initially peaceful protests against tax hikes, largely driven by Gen-Z Kenyans on social media, turned violent last Tuesday when lawmakers passed the unpopular legislation.
Following the vote, protesters ransacked the parliament complex in Nairobi, setting parts of it ablaze as police responded with live bullets.
In a Sunday television interview, Ruto stated that 19 people had died but defended his decision to call in the armed forces, insisting he did not have “blood on my hands.” This marks
