Kenyan police erected roadblocks leading to the presidential palace on Thursday as protesters threatened to “occupy State House.” This comes despite President William Ruto’s decision to withdraw the controversial finance bill that ignited a week of demonstrations.
The impact of Ruto’s concession remained uncertain after violent clashes on Tuesday resulted in at least 23 deaths and a brief storming of parliament. Ruto, facing the most significant crisis of his presidency, sees the protest movement, initially driven by online outrage over tax hikes, evolving into mass rallies demanding political change.
The movement, lacking a formal leadership structure, shows internal divisions over the next steps. Prominent social justice activist Boniface Mwangi supported the protests but cautioned against invading State House, warning it could incite further violence and justify a government crackdown.
Amidst heightened security, including an army vehicle in Nairobi’s central business district, some protest supporters called off their demonstrations following the finance bill’s withdrawal. However, others, like activist Davis Tafari, vowed to continue, demanding Ruto’s resignation and fresh elections.
In a Wednesday speech, Ruto defended the proposed tax hikes, citing the need to reduce Kenya’s debt and strengthen the currency. He acknowledged public rejection of the finance bill and promised to initiate dialogue with the youth and implement austerity measures, starting with cuts to the presidential budget.
Unlike previous politically driven and ethnically mobilized demonstrations in Kenya, the current protests have widespread support across the country’s 47 counties, including Ruto’s hometown of Eldoret. Tuesday’s protests resulted in 23 deaths nationwide and numerous injuries, with many treated for bullet wounds, according to the Kenya Medical Association.