Emmanuel OchayiFresh anti-government protests rocked Kenya on Tuesday, resulting in the death of at least one person as police clashed with demonstrators demanding the resignation of President William Ruto.
This surge of youth-led protests, initially sparked by proposed tax hikes, has continued unabated despite the withdrawal of the legislation and the dismissal of almost the entire cabinet.
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In Kitengela, a town on the southern outskirts of Nairobi, police fired repeatedly at hundreds of protesters who were throwing rocks and burning tyres.
“Ruto must go!” chanted the demonstrators, waving Kenyan flags. A Reuters TV footage showed the grim scene of a protester lying on the ground with blood oozing from a head wound.
The national police spokesperson declined to comment on the incident.
Rising Death Toll
According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 50 people have been killed since the protests began.
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The protests, which have been ongoing for a month, demand systemic changes to address corruption and poor governance in the country.
Activists insist that President Ruto’s resignation is the first step towards these reforms.
Journalists Targeted
During the protests in Nakuru, three people, including a journalist, were shot. Wanjeri wa Kariuki, a local journalist, was reportedly shot three times in the thigh despite clearly displaying her press credentials.
“The police shot at her even though she had a press card and jacket,” a witness told The Star. Two other protesters were also injured, one shot in the leg and another in the back.
Government’s Response
In a statement, the interior ministry did not directly address the events of Tuesday but mentioned that security agencies were instructed to exercise restraint.
However, videos and reports from various parts of the country indicate otherwise. A video posted by CNN reporter Larry Madowo showed a photojournalist being sprayed with teargas.
Systemic Changes Demanded
The protesters are not just calling for the resignation of President Ruto but are also demanding systemic changes to clean up corruption and improve governance.
“We need real change, not just promises,” said Mary Wanjiru, a protester in Nairobi. “Our leaders have failed us, and it’s time for them to go.”
Ongoing Unrest
The demonstrations on Tuesday were some of the largest since President Ruto withdrew the tax increases on June 26.
The government’s attempts to quell the unrest by dismissing cabinet members and the resignation of a top police chief have done little to pacify the protesters.
The continuous unrest highlights the deep-seated frustration among Kenyans towards their government. As the protests intensify, the call for President Ruto’s resignation grows louder.
“We will not stop until our voices are heard,” declared John Mwangi, another protester. “Ruto must go!”
Emmanuel Ochayi is a journalist. He is a graduate of the University of Lagos, School of first choice and the nations pride. Emmanuel is keen on exploring writing angles in different areas, including Business, climate change, politics, Education, and others.
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