Kenya is on edge as it prepares for renewed demonstrations amidst heightened security measures, following a series of dramatic government concessions in response to widespread unrest triggered by proposed tax hikes and subsequent deadly protests.
Led largely by youth and Gen-Z activists, the protests have caught authorities off-guard, prompting President William Ruto’s administration to oscillate between crackdowns and calls for dialogue with demonstrators. Anti-riot police were deployed to block access to key government buildings including State House and parliament on Thursday, underscoring the tense atmosphere. Many businesses remained closed amid fears of further unrest.
The escalation came to a head on Wednesday when Ruto unexpectedly backtracked on the controversial tax proposals, opting not to sign them into law and withdrawing the bill altogether.
“The voice of the people has been heard,” Ruto acknowledged, pledging to engage with the nation’s youth moving forward.
However, protesters, preparing for Thursday’s demonstrations to honor those killed in recent clashes, dismissed Ruto’s reversal as too little, too late. Hanifa Adan, a prominent figure among the demonstrators, criticized Ruto’s change of stance as mere “PR”, pointing out his earlier labeling of protesters as “criminals”.
In response to Ruto’s announcement, some protesters announced plans for a peaceful march wearing white attire, with intentions to lay flowers in remembrance of the victims.
“You cannot kill all of us,” remarked Adan defiantly.
Meanwhile, Vy, a 26-year-old job seeker, viewed Ruto’s shift as a potential starting point for meaningful change, albeit cautious about its impact.
