Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets on Wednesday to commemorate the first anniversary of anti-government protests that saw demonstrators storm parliament, despite fears of clashes with state-backed groups and police.
Last year’s weeks-long protests, sparked by proposed tax increases and widespread economic discontent among youth, resulted in at least 60 deaths at the hands of security forces.
Activists and victims’ families had called for peaceful demonstrations to mark the deadliest day of last year’s unrest.
However, calls to “Occupy State House,” referring to President William Ruto’s Nairobi office, circulated, leading many schools and businesses to close in anticipation of civil disturbances.
Early on Wednesday, police blocked major roads into the capital’s central business district, and government buildings were barricaded with razor wire.
Thousands of demonstrators, predominantly young men, waved Kenyan flags and held placards displaying images of those killed last year, chanting, “Ruto must go.”
Eve, a 24-year-old unemployed woman, told AFP, “I’ve come here as a Kenyan youth to protest; it is our right for the sake of our fellow Kenyans who were killed last year. The police are here… they are supposed to protect us, but they kill us.”
Angel Mbuthia, chair of the opposition Jubilee Party’s youth league, emphasised the importance of June 25 for young people, stating, “They lost people who look like them, who speak like them… who are fighting for good governance.”
Beyond the anniversary, recent anger has been fuelled by concerns over police brutality, particularly following the death of a teacher in custody earlier this month after he criticised a senior officer.
While police stated protests are permitted if “peaceful and unarmed,” a peaceful demonstration last week was reportedly attacked by a gang of motorbike-riding “goons” armed with whips and clubs, allegedly working in coordination with the police.
Western embassies, including those of Britain, Germany, and the United States, issued a joint statement condemning “the use of hired ‘goons’ to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings.”
Analyst and lawyer Javas Bigambo expressed concern to AFP that self-serving activists and political parties might exploit the volatile situation to incite violence among youth.
Deep resentment persists against President Ruto, who assumed power in 2022, promising rapid economic progress.
Many Kenyans are disillusioned by continued economic stagnation, corruption, and high taxes, despite last year’s protests forcing Ruto to partially retract an unpopular finance bill.
The frequent disappearances of government critics, with human rights groups counting over 80 since last year’s protests and dozens still missing, have led some to accuse Ruto of returning Kenya to its past dictatorial era.
Ruto, however, remained unapologetic in a speech on Tuesday, vowing to “stand by” the police and warning demonstrators, “You cannot use force against the police or insult or threaten the police. You are threatening our nation.”
