‘#OCCUPYEVERYWHERE’ KENYAN STREETS ECHO WITH ANTI-RUTO PROTESTS
For three weeks now, the streets of major Kenyan towns have reverberated with anti-Ruto chants. What began as online criticism by the youth on social media platforms has escalated into widespread demonstrations. Hundreds of young protestors have converged in Nairobi and other regions, facing off with police in running battles, their voices united in the call for “Ruto must go.”
Despite a heavy police presence, the protestors remain undeterred. Along Moi Avenue in Nairobi, they placed coffins as a solemn vigil for those killed during last month’s protests. However, police later confiscated the coffins and responded with tear gas.
The Central Business District (CBD) witnessed widespread closures as businesses feared looting and destruction. In some areas, business owners took matters into their own hands, forming protective groups and brandishing batons to safeguard their workplaces.
The Nairobi-Namanga road became impassable. Protestors barricaded it with stones and ignited bonfires, disrupting traffic. Several demonstrators were arrested in the CBD, adding to the tension.
These protests stem from President William Ruto’s remarks regarding the anti-tax demonstrations. However, they are fueled by broader issues currently in the country: the high cost of living, corruption, unemployment, and bloated wage bills. The frustration of Kenyan citizens has reached a boiling point, and they demand change.
Tragically, one person lost their life in Emali, Makueni County, after falling off a moving truck. The police moved the body to Kilome Nursing Home.
The coastal city of Mombasa also witnessed a surge in youth participation. Chanting songs, they occupied roads, expressing their discontent. In Migori, protestors barricaded the Migori-Rongo highway, lighting bonfires to symbolize their resistance. Meanwhile, in Nakuru, tear gas forced demonstrators to flee.
Reports indicate that some vehicles were torched in the county, and Caffee Point Hotel fell victim to vandalism.
The protests have left scars on Kenya’s landscape, both physically and emotionally. As the nation grapples with its challenges, the call for change grows louder.
