Anti-government protesters in Kenya have taken to the streets once again to demand the resignation of President William Ruto, resulting in violent clashes with security forces. The protests, which initially began against an unpopular tax bill, have escalated into broader anger over issues such as bad governance, corruption, and police accountability following the deaths of numerous demonstrators. Despite recent concessions made by President Ruto, including firing his entire cabinet and the head of the police force resigning, the protesters are calling for him to step down.
The protest movement, primarily led by young Kenyans and coordinated online, has spread to various parts of the country, with chaotic scenes witnessed in areas such as Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nakuru, and Nyeri. The demonstrations have turned violent, with reports of a demonstrator being killed and a reporter being injured by a bullet while covering the protests.
President Ruto has called for a “dialogue” in response to the protests, but many demonstrators have rejected talks and are adamant that he must resign. The government has attempted to quell the protests, with the acting police chief warning of potential infiltration by criminal groups and urging peaceful cooperation with law enforcement.
In a surprising turn of events, President Ruto has accused the Ford Foundation of funding the protests, a claim that the organization has vehemently denied. Despite the tensions and violence surrounding the protests, the discontent among Kenyan citizens shows no sign of abating as they continue to demand change and accountability from their government.
