Police deployed tear gas to disperse protesters in Nairobi, Kenya on Thursday as a new Cabinet was sworn in, with demonstrators demanding President William Ruto’s resignation. Activists organized the protests in response to President Ruto’s dismissal of nearly all his ministers and the appointment of opposition members to form what he called a “broad-based” government.
The protests resulted in the closure of businesses and the absence of public transportation in the central business district. Law enforcement set up roadblocks on major roads leading into the city, and the area surrounding the president’s office, where the new ministers were inaugurated, was heavily secured.
Despite the unrest in Nairobi, other regions, including Kisumu, known for its opposition support, remained peaceful. Residents in Kisumu indicated to journalists that the inclusion of opposition figures in the new Cabinet reduced the incentive to protest.
The police emphasized their commitment to upholding citizens’ constitutional rights to peaceful protest. “We reiterate constitutional protection of all persons to peaceably and unarmed to protest, picket and to present petitions to the authorities,” read a police statement.
President Ruto condemned the protests, urging Kenyans to stay away from them and suggesting that those seeking change should do so through the ballot in the 2027 elections. “For those who want change, they can vote me out in 2027 elections,” Ruto stated.
Activists announced an “8/8 Liberation March” and warned that any non-uniformed police officers present would be treated as criminals.
apnews.com
