Kenya’s President William Ruto has expressed his willingness to engage in dialogue with young protesters who took to the streets nationwide this week to oppose proposed tax hikes, a presidential spokesperson announced on Sunday.
The protests, primarily driven by Gen-Z Kenyans and widely livestreamed, surprised the government as frustration grows over Ruto’s economic policies.
“Our young people have stepped up to take part in the nation’s affairs, exercising their democratic rights. I am proud of them,” Ruto stated in remarks shared by presidential spokesperson Hussein Mohamed on X, formerly known as Twitter.
“We will engage in a conversation to understand your concerns and work together as a nation,” Ruto added, marking his first public response to the demonstrations.
According to human rights activists, two people lost their lives and dozens were injured during Thursday’s protests in Nairobi.
While the demonstrations were largely peaceful, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds near parliament.
The protests, which began in Nairobi on Tuesday, soon spread across the country, with organizers calling for a nationwide strike on June 25.
Ruto’s government has justified the proposed tax increases as essential for boosting revenue and reducing dependence on foreign loans.
