Youth-led demonstrations against police brutality and poor governance erupted across Kenya once again on Wednesday, with thousands marching toward Nairobi’s central business district.
The protests coincide with the first anniversary of last year’s anti-tax hike demonstrations, which resulted in 60 deaths and at least 20 people reported missing. This latest wave of unrest follows protests last week demanding justice for a Kenyan blogger who died in police custody under suspicious circumstances.
Discontent is rising, particularly among Generation Z, over issues including police violence, economic hardship, and government mismanagement.
In response, the Communications Authority of Kenya ordered local media to halt live broadcasts of the protests midway through the day, while President William Ruto warned that acts of violence would not be tolerated.
Many Kenyans turned to social media to share real-time updates, post tributes to slain protesters, and express anti-government sentiments through posts and memes. Meanwhile, on the streets, volunteers provided water to protesters as demonstrations continued.
Protesters in Kenya’s Nairobi demand justice for blogger’s death in police custody
Police brutality
Demands for accountability in Kenya have intensified following the death of a street hawker during last week's protests. A Kenyan court has granted investigators 15 days to conclude their probe into two police officers suspected of involvement in the shooting.
The incident has fueled public outrage, with young people flooding social media platforms throughout the week to honor protesters killed during last year's demonstrations. At that time, President William Ruto apologized for the violence and pledged to end police brutality, which led to the resignation of the country’s top police official.
“Not a single officer has faced consequences,” said human rights activist Hussein Khaled, noting that people have taken to the streets to demand justice, including compensation for victims' families, arrests of those responsible, and urgent police reforms. He emphasized that far too many Kenyans are losing their lives due to police violence.
Economic frustration
Last year’s deadly protests in Kenya were driven by strong opposition to a finance bill that significantly increased taxes to tackle national debt, placing a heavy burden on young, educated citizens already facing high unemployment and a soaring cost of living. President William Ruto eventually withdrew the bill.
However, parts of those tax measures were later reintroduced, sparking public outrage and renewed demands for Ruto’s resignation, especially following the appointment of a new, but widely unpopular, cabinet. A revised healthcare levy also replaced standard premiums with a progressive tax based on income levels.
According to United Nations data, 70% of sub-Saharan Africa’s population is under 30, while Kenya faces a youth unemployment rate of 67%.
Macharia Munene, a professor of History and International Relations at United States International University Africa in Nairobi, said the situation is worsening for young people, as essential sectors like health and education suffer from poor policies and a lack of resources, while government spending on lavish perks for elites continues unchecked.
Rescuers in South Africa search for the missing after floods leave at least 49 dead
Poor governance
Ruto has been accused of misappropriating taxpayer money on lavish trips, most notably the use of a private jet on his trip to the United States right before last year’s protests. He apologized and dismissed ministers accused of incompetence, corruption and displays of opulence amid complaints about the high cost of living.
Meanwhile, Kenya's opposition received its share of criticism, with many saying it avoided challenging the status quo after some of its members were appointed in Ruto's new cabinet
“Enough is enough ... We are here for change, it is time for us to get our nation (back),” said protestor Sevelina Mwihaki. “The blood that we have shed is enough."