Kenya Braces for Protests Amid Government Discontent

Kenya is on the brink of protests as citizens gear up to march towards the parliament building in Nairobi on July, 16, 2024. The ‘Nane Nane March’ is a continuation of the discontent with President William Ruto’s administration. What began as a dispute over the proposed heightened taxation in the now dissolved Finance Bill 2024 has progressed into protests against the government’s apparent ineptitude and misuse of resources. Moreover, the people have widely condemned the current administration over their corruption. The Tuesday situation has seen a high police presence in Nairobi and strategic roadblocks in important areas such as the road heading toward the State House.

Regardless of the increased police protection, citizens and government officials alike are worried that the protests may erupt in violence, as previously, demonstrations often disintegrated into riots. The Acting Police Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli has voiced his concerns regarding the safety of the otherwise peaceful moves against the government, citing possible criminal elements that might use the occasion as cover lining. On the days leading to the ‘Nane Nane March’, the bulk of law enforcers in the Police Force have been sent to Nairobi in a show of force. All eyes are set on the city as events continue to unfold.