Police in Kenya fired tear gas on Thursday to disperse pockets of anti-government protesters in Nairobi’s city center as demonstrators continued their push for President William Ruto’s resignation.
The “Nane Nane” march, named after the date (August 8), follows weeks of pro-reform protests that have already led to significant concessions from the government, including the cancellation of planned tax hikes and a cabinet reshuffle.
The nationwide protests, largely led by youth, began peacefully in June but have since turned violent, resulting in the deaths of over 50 people.
Shops were shuttered and streets emptied as riot police set up roadblocks and used tear gas to disperse small groups of protesters in Nairobi’s financial district. One group of about a dozen protesters, chanting “Ruto must go,” was targeted by police, according to a Reuters journalist on the scene.
Facing the most significant challenge of his two-year presidency, Ruto initially responded to the protests by shelving the new taxes in June after demonstrators briefly stormed parliament. Last month, he dismissed his entire cabinet, except for the foreign minister, in a move seen as a win for activists and protesters demanding major changes.
Ruto then appointed opposition members to his cabinet, a decision met with criticism from activists who labeled it a corrupt bargain and renewed their calls for his resignation. Protesters have demanded comprehensive reforms to tackle corruption and improve services at both regional and national levels.
Ruto has defended his new cabinet, stating that it reflects national unity and will address the protesters’ demands. He has also pledged to investigate alleged police abuses during the demonstrations while generally defending their actions.
The reconstituted cabinet was sworn in on Thursday, with Ruto emphasizing the importance of national interest over political rivalry. “Where Kenya is today, while competition is healthy and good, there is a moment where the interest of a nation is greater than the interest of a political formation,” he said during the swearing-in ceremony.
The protests, which have no official leaders and are largely organized online, have faced increasing criticism from Ruto after he initially praised them for being peaceful.
“We are a proudly democratic country, based on the firm foundation of the rule of law. There is no room for anarchy, chaos, and violence,” Ruto said on Wednesday in Embu County.
Ahead of Thursday’s protests, Kenyan police advised people to avoid crowded areas and announced the deployment of additional personnel across the country.