Kenia
What is Behind Kenya’s Protest Movement?
Kenyan police have killed dozens of protesters since demonstrations against proposed new taxes began on 18 June. In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Meron Elias explains the roots of the discontent and calls for meaningful dialogue with young people demanding accountability from the country’s leaders.
CrisisWatch Kenya
Unchanged Situation
Unrest over finance bill morphed into wider, anti-govt protest movement, shaking President Ruto’s administration, as security forces violently repressed demonstrations.
Protests led to firing of govt and further domestic turmoil. After public-led, spontaneous demonstrations against controversial finance bill erupted nationwide in June, movement continued into July with biweekly protests across country to air grievances against, and often demand end to, Ruto’s govt. Ruto 11 July fired all but one minister from cabinet and vowed to set up “broad-based” govt. Numbers protesting decreased in following weeks but hundreds continued to take to streets. Security forces persisted with violently repressing protests and clashed with demonstrators, while press also remained vulnerable. Notably, journalist Catherine Wanjeri wa Kariuki shot three times by rubber bullets 16 July while covering protests in Nakuru county. National Commission on Human Rights same day said at least 50 people killed since protests began – including around ten in July – with over 400 injured, some 700 arbitrarily detained and dozens abducted. Police 23 July fired tear gas to prevent scuffles between protesters and govt supporters in capital Nairobi. Ruto next day gave four posts in new cabinet to opposition Orange Democratic Movement led by former PM Odinga, while reappointing around half of previous cabinet; protest movement figures criticised new govt as co-opting opposition instead of serving population’s needs and 25 July held march to commemorate those killed in demonstrations; police again detained several people.
Kenyan-led international security force continued to deploy to Haiti. 200 Kenyan police officers 16 July arrived in Haiti following first contingent’s landing in June; Kenyan and Haitian police next day patrolled in areas of capital Port-au-Prince abandoned by police for months. Doubts remained, however, over sustainability of mission.
Al-Shabaab-related insecurity persisted. Clash between Al-Shabaab insurgents and security forces 11 July left at least five militants and four police officers dead in El Wak area, Mandera county.
Latest Updates
Kenya and the Future of Protests
In this episode of The Horn, Alan is joined by writer and political analyst Nanjala Nyabola to talk about the recent wave of nationwide protests in Kenya, their causes and their implications for the country and the region.
What is Behind Kenya’s Protest Movement?
Kenyan police have killed dozens of protesters since demonstrations against proposed new taxes began on 18 June. In this Q&A, Crisis Group expert Meron Elias explains the roots of the discontent and calls for meaningful dialogue with young people demanding accountability from the country’s leaders.
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