Kenyan police have fired tear gas to disperse protesters in Nairobi who gathered to express anger against the government and mourn those killed in previous protests.
Security forces, including the military, heavily deployed around key buildings, blocked roads ahead of the planned demonstrations.
The protests follow the deaths of over 20 people during earlier protests against a now-withdrawn controversial tax bill. President William Ruto, facing pressure, announced the withdrawal of the finance bill, but discontent remains high.
State agents have been accused of abducting hundreds of protest-linked individuals, with the Kenya National Commission helping secure the release of over 300 detainees.
Despite the president’s concession, demonstrators demand his resignation and continue to face heavy police resistance.
Protests also occurred in other towns, including Mombasa, where chants of “Ruto must go” were heard amid looting and clashes. While Eldoret remains calm, Migori and Kisumu saw confrontations between protesters and police.
Auma Obama, half-sister of former US President Barack Obama, highlighted the youth’s ongoing grievances, urging dialogue to prevent further bloodshed. Despite initial promises to support the struggling “hustler” class, President Ruto’s tax hikes have fueled widespread discontent amid a cost-of-living crisis.
