Kenyan police fired tear gas in central Nairobi on Thursday as small groups of protesters gathered to voice their discontent with President William Ruto. Despite the heavy police presence, roadblocks, and shuttered shops, only a few dozen demonstrators turned out, chanting slogans of peace.
The protests, led mostly by Gen-Z Kenyans, have shaken the country for weeks, reflecting widespread frustration with Ruto’s administration, which is just two years old. While Ruto was swearing in a revamped cabinet, police were dispersing crowds just a few kilometers away.
Although the demonstrations were less intense than in previous weeks, the underlying anger remains. What started as peaceful rallies against proposed tax hikes has grown into broader discontent over government spending and corruption. Police actions have been heavily criticized, with accusations of excessive force and live ammunition use, leading to at least 60 deaths since the protests began.
Ruto, in response to the growing unrest, has taken steps to address public grievances, including scrapping the controversial tax hikes and reshuffling his cabinet. He has described these changes as the beginning of a “new chapter” for Kenya.
However, the tension between fulfilling international financial obligations and addressing the struggles of ordinary Kenyans continues to mount. While Kenya’s economic growth is projected at 5.4% this year, many citizens are still grappling with poverty. Some, like 24-year-old Edwin Kagia, believe Ruto should be given more time to deliver on his promises, urging patience as the country navigates its challenges.
