Despite President William Ruto’s initial concessions to some of the Gen Z protesters’ demands, including rejecting the contentious Finance Bill 2024 and proposing cuts in budget expenditure, widespread protests have erupted across the country. The protesters are primarily calling for President Ruto’s resignation, citing allegations of corruption, poor governance, and a lack of accountability in addressing recent violent incidents.
Clashes Between the Gen Z protesters and Law Enforcement
Running battles between the police and protesters took place in parts of Mombasa, Nairobi CBD, Kitengela, Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisii, Migori, Kisumu, Kakamega, and Kericho, among other parts of the country, with the protesters chanting Ruto must go. The Tuesday, July 16 protests recorded severe injuries due to the effects of tear gas and live ammunition.
The clashes between law enforcement and demonstrators in various parts of Kenya have resulted in severe injuries and casualties, further intensifying the unrest. President Ruto’s attempts to open dialogue with protesters have not materialized fully, as some activist groups are demanding immediate action on corruption and other pressing issues rather than mere discussions.
Moreover, Kenya’s economic challenges, including high levels of debt and significant portions of revenue allocated to debt payments, paint a grim picture of financial stability. Pressure from creditors to reduce deficits while addressing the population’s struggles with high living costs adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing crisis.
Casualties During the Gen Z protests
The reported deaths during the violent protests underscore the gravity of the situation, with human rights organizations raising concerns about the excessive use of force and the escalation of violence. Additionally, the accusations made by President Ruto against the Ford Foundation for allegedly financing the protests and the foundation’s denial of such allegations further fuel suspicions and tensions in an already volatile situation.
In the last few weeks of protests, Kenya has recorded a total of 41 persons killed by police in Kenya since June 18, when demonstrations kicked off, led by Generation Z, a demographic cohort composed of many tertiary-educated youth, including frustrated unemployed university graduates, in 35 counties nationwide.
Police Response
Police indiscriminately shot live and rubber bullets and used tear gas and water cannons on the young protesters, who had no weapons apart from placards and mobile phones.
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