On Thursday, Kenyan police fired tear gas in the heart of Nairobi as small groups of protesters gathered to demonstrate against President William Ruto. Despite the heavy presence of riot police, roadblocks on major routes, and closed shops, only a few dozen demonstrators showed up in the central business district.
The protests are part of ongoing unrest that has plagued Kenya since mid-June, driven largely by young Gen-Z Kenyans opposed to Ruto’s administration. The East African nation, known for its stability, has seen weeks of sometimes deadly demonstrations, with at least 60 people killed and many others missing. Rights groups have accused police of using excessive force, including firing live bullets.
While Ruto was presiding over the swearing-in of a revamped cabinet just a few kilometers away, police dispersed protesters with tear gas and detained several individuals. Despite fears of violence, the streets remained relatively quiet, with some people going about their daily routines.
The protests initially began as peaceful rallies against proposed tax hikes but have since evolved into broader opposition to Ruto’s government, which critics accuse of excessive spending and corruption. Posters circulated online called for fresh demonstrations on August 8, dubbed “Nane Nane” (Eight Eight in Swahili), but turnout was low.
In response to public anger, Ruto has taken measures to address the crisis, including canceling the tax hikes, reshuffling his cabinet, and making deep budget cuts. He described the installation of a new “broad-based” cabinet as the start of a “new chapter” for Kenya’s governance.
Ruto, who took office in September 2022 after a closely contested election, now faces the challenge of balancing demands from international lenders to stabilize the economy with the needs of ordinary Kenyans struggling with the rising cost of living. Despite the economic growth projected at 5.4% this year, a third of Kenya’s 52 million people continue to live in poverty.
