Tensions Rise in Kenya: Police and Protesters Face Off Amid Military Presence

NAIROBI, Kenya – Tensions ran high in Nairobi on Thursday as Kenyan police faced off with protesters ahead of planned demonstrations against a controversial finance bill. The president’s decision not to sign the bill into law did little to quell the unrest, which had already ignited deadly chaos in the capital and led to parts of the parliament building being set ablaze. Despite assurances from President William Ruto that tax hikes would be rescinded and budget cuts implemented, the demonstrators remained skeptical and determined to march to the State House.

Protesters flooded into the central business district only to be met with volleys of tear gas from police. The military, despite a court order suspending their deployment, continued to patrol the city. Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua had earlier appealed to the youthful protesters to abandon their plans and engage in dialogue. However, his plea fell on deaf ears as public trust in the government plummeted.

Earlier in the week, thousands of protesters stormed Kenya’s parliament, setting parts of the building on fire and sending lawmakers scrambling for safety. In the midst of this turmoil, activist Boniface Mwangi called for a peaceful march to the parliament road to honor the protesters who lost their lives. His plea for non-violence contrasted sharply with activist Francis Gaitho’s call for young Kenyans to continue their march to the State House, reflecting a divide among protest leaders on the best course of action.

Meanwhile, business owners in Nairobi took matters into their own hands, standing guard outside their shops to prevent the looting and vandalism that marred Tuesday’s protests. The unrest was not confined to the capital; protests also erupted in other major towns including Mombasa, Kisumu, and Migori, highlighting the widespread discontent with the government’s policies.

As the protests unfolded on Tuesday, the United States designated Kenya as its first major non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa. Though largely symbolic, this designation underscores the security partnership between the two nations. However, this diplomatic gesture did little to calm the streets of Nairobi, where the immediate concerns were far more pressing.

The week’s events have underscored the fragility of Kenya’s political climate and the deep-seated mistrust between the government and its citizens. President Ruto’s U-turn on the finance bill, described by some as a “Lesson on humility,” failed to restore calm. His initial reaction to the protests, described as “Not stately and full of emotions,” only fueled the anger of the demonstrators.

As Nairobi’s business district remained a battleground, the ongoing protests served as a stark reminder of the challenges facing Kenya. With the government’s credibility in question and the potential for further unrest looming, the nation stands at a crossroads. Whether through dialogue or continued demonstrations, the path forward remains uncertain, with the hopes of many hanging in the balance.