Kenyan police clashed with demonstrators in Nairobi on Thursday ahead of scheduled protests against a disputed finance bill, despite the president’s decision not to sign it after the plans caused fatal mayhem in the capital, with protestors storming and destroying part of the parliament building.
Protesters who announced they will march to the State House on Thursday still don’t trust President William Ruto, who has promised to repeal tax increases and make budget savings.
Police fired tear gas canisters at demonstrators seeking to converge in the central business district.
Despite a Wednesday court ruling suspending its deployment to assist police during the protests, the military has continued to patrol the city.
Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua on Wednesday urged the young protesters to call off planned protests and give dialogue a chance.
The leaderless movement began online with young people demanding that legislators reject the proposed tax hikes. It later morphed into calls for the president’s resignation after the bill was passed.
Thousands of demonstrators stormed Kenya’s parliament on Tuesday, setting parts of the structure on fire and forcing legislators to escape. At least 22 individuals are said to have died as police opened fire during the ensuing mayhem.
Activists and others warned that the stakes were higher than in past protests, because Ruto vowed on Tuesday to quash unrest “at whatever cost”.
Businesspeople in Nairobi were standing guard outside their shops on Thursday to prevent looting and vandalism, which took place during Tuesday’s protests.
Major roads leading to key government buildings, including parliament, have been blocked.
Outside Nairobi, protests have been reported in Mombasa, Kisumu, Migori and other major towns.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday spoke with Ruto, thanking him for taking steps to reduce tensions.
“The Secretary underscored the importance of security forces demonstrating restraint and refraining from violence and encouraged prompt investigations into allegations of human rights abuses,” a statement read.
Ruto has been embraced by Washington as a welcome, stable partner in Africa, while frustration grows elsewhere on the continent with the U.S. and other Western powers.
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