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In the latest installment of the Kenyan protests, Kenya’s anti-government protesters ignored President William Ruto‘s stern warnings on Tuesday and took to the streets in Mombasa, Kisumu, Nairobi, and Kajiado counties, demanding his resignation.
Reasons behind the Kenyan protests
These Kenyan protests were a response to what they perceive as Ruto’s failure to deliver on his campaign promises and address the rising cost of living.
In a new development, pro-government groups also took to the streets in Nairobi. Boda boda riders supporting the Kenya Kwanza regime paraded through the Central Business District, honking, whistling, and chanting in favor of President Ruto.
They carried placards with messages such as “Let us give our president time,” “Ruto tuko nyuma yako (We’re behind you, Ruto),” and “Tumechoka na (We’re tired of) Gen Z.” These riders, organized and funded, were backed by Nairobi City County Assembly members from the United Democratic Movement (UDA) party, including Mark Mugambi and Brian Itenya. They first fueled at designated petrol stations before gathering at Uhuru Park for instructions. Journalist Robert Nagila noted on Twitter that riot police ignored the fueling process.
Clashes during the latest Kenyan protests
Clashes erupted when pro-Ruto demonstrators encountered other boda boda riders near Hilton Hotel. A motorcycle was burned outside Naivas Supermarket on Kenyatta Avenue, prompting the police to use tear gas to disperse the crowd. Another pro-government group, Amani Kenya, countered anti-government protests in Imara Daima by assisting police in clearing blocked roads.
In Mombasa, police confronted protesters demanding the government’s dissolution. They accused President Ruto of failing to fulfill his campaign promises. Tear gas was used to disperse the crowd on Moi Avenue, injuring a trader in the process. In Kitengela, Kajiado County, at least ten anti-government protesters were arrested. Police used tear gas to break up groups of stone-throwing youths attempting to barricade Namanga Road. An unmarked helicopter and siren-blaring vehicles patrolled the area, attempting to disperse the protesters.
Local businesses reported significant losses and urged President Ruto to address the concerns of Kenyans. James Muia, a local business owner, expressed the challenges, saying, “Nowadays, we are operating for only four days a week. This is not a positive gesture for a developing country, especially now that the cost of living is skyrocketing.”
The situation highlights the growing tension in Kenya, as the public’s dissatisfaction with the government continues to escalate, leading to increased instability and economic challenges.