Kenyan police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at demonstrators in Nairobi on Thursday, even after President William Ruto canceled controversial tax hikes following deadly clashes.
The protests, led mainly by young Kenyans, surprised the authorities as Ruto’s government oscillated between a hardline stance and calls for dialogue.
Dozens of protesters gathered in Nairobi’s central business district, with soldiers and police blocking roads leading to Ruto’s office and parliament.
Police fired rubber bullets and tear gas at small groups of protesters and arrested at least seven people. Some demonstrators threw stones at the police.
“The youth will not rest,” said Lucky, a 27-year-old university graduate. “It’s our future we are fighting for,” he added, expressing distrust in Ruto.
Many shops remained closed due to fears of further unrest.
Protests also occurred in Mombasa and Kisumu, with some blocking roads and lighting fires.
After the parliament complex was ransacked on Tuesday and police opened fire on protesters, Ruto reversed the tax hikes, withdrawing the bill on Wednesday. “The people have spoken,” he said, indicating a desire for engagement with the youth.
However, protesters continued Thursday’s rally to honor those killed in the demonstrations, viewing Ruto’s reversal as too little, too late.
A state-backed rights group reported 22 deaths nationwide from Tuesday’s protests and promised an investigation. “This is the largest number of deaths in a single day protest,” said Roseline Odede, chairwoman of the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, noting 300 injuries.
The international community is concerned, with Washington urging Kenya to respect peaceful protests and the UN calling for accountability.
Rights groups accuse authorities of abducting protesters, and the police have not commented.
Ruto’s reversal on the tax measures, meant to service Kenya’s $78 billion debt, creates a budget shortfall of $1.6 billion.
Analysts warn that the government faces a tough choice between pacifying the populace and addressing economic challenges.
The International Monetary Fund is pressuring Ruto’s administration for fiscal reforms to access crucial funding.
