Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets on Wednesday, marking one year since protesters stormed parliament during anti-government demonstrations that left at least 60 dead.
Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets on Wednesday, marking one year since protesters stormed parliament during anti-government demonstrations that left at least 60 dead. The protests, led mostly by youth, were sparked by economic hardship and tax increases.
Demonstrators waved flags and displayed images of those killed, chanting “Ruto must go.” “The police are here… they are supposed to protect us but they kill us,” said Eve, a 24-year-old protester. Angel Mbuthia of the Jubilee Party youth league added, “They lost people who look like them, who speak like them… who are fighting for good governance.”
Police blocked access to key roads and fortified government buildings, while some protesters attempted to “OccupyStateHouse.” Concerns remain over police brutality and alleged disappearances of critics. President Ruto, defending police actions, said, “You cannot… threaten the police. You are threatening our nation.”
Western embassies condemned the use of “hired goons” to disrupt peaceful protests.