Protests persisted across Kenya on Thursday despite President William Ruto’s decision to withdraw the Finance Bill 2024, which had sparked the unrest. According to Xinhua, demonstrators took to the streets in various towns, though their numbers were smaller compared to earlier in the week.
In Nairobi, military personnel and anti-riot police were heavily deployed, with some protesters lighting candles and placing flowers in memory of those who had died or been injured in previous demonstrations. The protesters also displayed names of alleged victims and expressed grievances over what they described as excessive use of force by authorities during Tuesday’s protests.
The government reported six deaths and 214 injuries from the earlier protests, primarily at the parliament where police clashed with demonstrators attempting to enter the premises. President Ruto expressed regret over the casualties and pledged accountability measures.
Thursday’s protests saw further clashes between demonstrators and police in Nairobi, resulting in arrests and the use of tear gas to disperse crowds. Security measures were heightened across major roads leading to the city center.
Justina Mungai, a protester, welcomed Ruto’s withdrawal of the controversial bill but insisted on continuing to honor their fallen colleagues publicly. She emphasized that the demonstrations aimed to demand broader reforms beyond the bill’s cancellation, including anti-corruption efforts and changes within the cabinet.
Similar demonstrations turned violent in Mombasa and Kisumu, where incidents of looting were reported amid clashes with law enforcement. In Eldoret, counter-protesters armed themselves to prevent further unrest.
Ruto’s decision to withdraw the Finance Bill followed widespread public outcry and criticism. The bill had aimed to raise significant revenue through new taxes, contributing to a budget aimed at addressing the country’s fiscal needs for the upcoming financial year.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed sadness over the reported casualties, including journalists and medical personnel affected during the protests, underscoring international concern over the situation in Kenya.
