Kenyan riot police fired tear gas at protesters in Nairobi on Tuesday, with demonstrations erupting nationwide demanding the resignation of President William Ruto after a week of deadly anti-tax protests.
Protesters set fires and threw stones at police in downtown Nairobi, while in Mombasa, hundreds marched with palm fronds, plastic horns, and drums, chanting “Ruto must go!” The unrest reflects widespread anger over soaring living costs and the president’s handling of the economy.
Ruto faces mounting pressure from international lenders to reduce deficits while dealing with a population struggling with high living costs. Protesters have rejected his calls for dialogue despite his decision to abandon proposed tax hikes.
In addition to Nairobi and Mombasa, protests occurred in Kisumu, Nakuru, Kajiado, Migori, Mlolongo, and Rongo, with demonstrators setting tires on fire in Migori. Since June 18, dozens have been killed in clashes, most shot by police when some protesters attempted to storm parliament.
Protester Milan Waudo in Mombasa criticized Ruto’s focus on financial issues over human lives, while activist Ojango Omondi in Nairobi vowed to continue pushing for the president’s resignation peacefully.
The government has called for calm, with State House communications director Gerald Bitok urging peace and patriotism.
The protests, which began online over proposed $2.7 billion tax hikes, have grown into a movement against corruption and misgovernance. Ruto has asked the treasury to find ways to cut spending due to the withdrawal of the tax plans and indicated more borrowing will be necessary.
Anti-corruption activist John Githongo expressed skepticism about the government’s commitment to addressing corruption and protesters’ demands.
The protests remained mostly peaceful until last Tuesday, when demonstrators briefly stormed parliament, prompting police to open fire. Ruto has defended police actions, blaming the violence on “criminals” who hijacked the demonstrations.
