HomeInternational NewsKenyan Police Employ Tear Gas Amid Protests Against President Ruto

Kenyan Police Employ Tear Gas Amid Protests Against President Ruto

Kenyan police forces have used tear gas in the heart of Nairobi as small groups of people resumed protests against controversial President William Ruto. The demonstration, known as “Nane Nane” or “eight eight”, referencing the date August 8, took place on Thursday following several weeks of similar pro-reform protests. These protests led to Ruto’s decision to cancel planned tax increases and restructure his government.

The unrest in the East African nation, one of the most stable in the region, has been characterized by ongoing demonstrations against Ruto’s administration, which have persisted for two years and primarily involve young Kenyan Generation Z citizens. In what is the largest crisis of his presidency, Ruto was forced to yield to pressure in June by abandoning new taxes after protesters briefly stormed Parliament. Last month, he dismissed his entire cabinet except for the foreign minister, an action seen as a victory for activists and demonstrators demanding significant changes.

While Ruto oversaw the inauguration of his new cabinet on Thursday, police fired tear gas in the capital, and several individuals were arrested. Despite this tense situation, the streets were largely quiet, with some citizens continuing their daily activities. Television footage from Mombasa showed traffic flowing normally, and the situation in the western city of Kisumu was also reported as calm.

“I have been on the streets since the demonstrations began in mid-June to demand good governance and accountability,” stated Stephens Wanjiku, a 29-year-old fashion stylist. “I have been beaten,” added Wanjiku, wearing a vibrant blue cape, ski goggles, and multiple masks, emphasizing that police brutality should be a “thing of the past; we should not see it in 2024.”

Kenya’s Acting Inspector General of Police Gilbert Masengeli warned on Wednesday that “criminals” intended to infiltrate the demonstrations, advising people to avoid protected areas such as the international airport and Ruto’s official residence, as well as to take precautions in densely populated areas.

What began as peaceful youth-led protests against contested tax increases has evolved into a broader movement against Ruto and what many perceive as excessive government spending and corruption. According to human rights organizations, over 50 people have been killed since the protests began, with police accused of using excessive force, sometimes firing live ammunition, while dozens of people have reportedly gone missing.

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