Protests continued unabated across Kenya on Tuesday, sparked by a contentious finance bill that threatens to escalate living costs. Despite President William Ruto’s announcement that he would not sign the bill following last week’s storming of parliament, demonstrators in Nairobi faced tear gas from police while many businesses remained shuttered over fears of looting. Bonfires set by protesters led to the closure of the main highway to Mombasa, Kenya’s second largest city.
Some demonstrators are not only pressing for the bill’s rejection but are also demanding President Ruto’s resignation, citing allegations of poor governance. Concerns linger that Ruto may reverse course and sign the bill before the impending deadline. However, within the protests, there’s apprehension among youth leaders that the unrest is being exploited by others to incite violence.
“Hanifa Farsafi, one of the protest organizers, lamented on social media platform X, ‘Goons have infiltrated,'” reported The Associated Press.
The recent protests turned fatal last week when police gunfire claimed 39 lives, according to the Kenya National Human Rights Commission, though President Ruto stated a lower figure of 19 casualties. In response to mounting public pressure, Ruto has proposed austerity measures including cuts to presidential office expenditures on travel and hospitality. However, youth leaders remain skeptical about the government’s commitment to implement these reforms amidst persistently high unemployment and rising prices.
Meanwhile, Kenya’s main opposition party has called for Ruto’s administration to take accountability for the deaths during the protests. Economist Ken Gichinga emphasized the need for a more sustainable approach to tax reforms that can stimulate economic growth, especially given the disproportionate impact on Generation Z due to rampant unemployment.
The situation remains tense as Kenyans await further developments amid ongoing demonstrations and political maneuvering in the East African nation.
