On Tuesday, July 16, Kenyan police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators in Kitengela, near Nairobi, who were calling for the resignation of Kenya’s president, William Ruto.
The protests, sparked by dissatisfaction over proposed tax hikes, included calls for a nationwide “shutdown.”
Despite Ruto’s decision to withdraw the $2.7 billion tax increases and reshuffle his cabinet, the protests have continued.
Critics hold Ruto responsible for governance failures, corruption allegations, and previous protester deaths.
Demonstrators in Kitengela burned tires and chanted against Ruto, leading to police intervention with tear gas.
Similar scenes unfolded in Nairobi’s city center and Mombasa.
President Ruto had announced plans to engage with protesters to address their concerns, but talks have yet to begin.
Many activists have refused to participate, demanding immediate action against corruption and other issues. Ruto’s spokesperson declined to comment on the ongoing situation.
Kenya faces significant debt challenges, with over 30% of its revenue allocated to servicing interest payments. Creditors are pressuring Ruto to reduce deficits while tackling the high cost of living for citizens.
Human rights organizations report that 40 people have died in the protests, which have sometimes turned violent.
Ruto has accused the Ford Foundation of funding the protests, a claim the foundation denies, asserting its nonpartisan stance and stating it does not fund protests.
