NAIROBI, July 3 (Reuters) – Kenyan activists are reassessing their approach to anti-government protests after Tuesday’s demonstrations turned violent and saw looting, which they fear could undermine their movement and its efforts to push President William Ruto to resign.
Activists claim the violence was instigated by “goons” hired by politicians aiming to discredit legitimate protestors or further their own agendas. In light of this, some are urging for the cancellation of the planned demonstration on Thursday.
“It appears the state has realized that the only way to counter this movement is by using goons to incite violence, vandalize property, loot, and tarnish our cause,” said Ojango Omondi, an activist in Nairobi. “We need to go back to the drawing board and strategize on how to overcome this violence and keep our protests focused on their true objectives.”
Kenya’s government spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. Interior Minister Kithure Kindike attributed the violence to “hordes of marauding criminal gangs” and accused some of politicizing crime.
From Peaceful Protests to Violence
The initial protests last month against proposed tax hikes were largely peaceful, though police used tear gas and water cannons on demonstrators. The movement unified Kenyans from various ethnic backgrounds around common economic concerns, diverging from past protests typically driven by ethnic grievances.
The protests turned violent when demonstrators briefly stormed parliament last week, leading police to open fire, resulting in dozens of deaths. The next day, Ruto withdrew the tax increases, but protesters continued, demanding anti-corruption measures and Ruto’s resignation.
Tuesday’s protests saw immediate violence. Stone-throwing youths clashed with police in Nairobi and other towns, and looters targeted businesses, prompting shop owners to arm themselves with sticks and clubs.
Foi Wambui, a young actress who came to protest in downtown Nairobi, decided to leave due to the chaos. “What has happened is that peaceful protesters are deterred from coming to town, and we are deterred from actually practicing our civic duties,” she told Reuters.
Efforts to Discredit the Movement
Ruto and the government have generally distinguished between peaceful protesters and those they brand as criminals hijacking the demonstrations. However, their allies have used the violence to discredit the movement, popularly known as Gen Z protests for their youthful following.
Dennis Itumbi, a political consultant close to Ruto, posted a video on X of young men robbing another man in the streets, though it was unclear where or when the video was taken. “Congratulations Gen-Z for your Peaceful and democratic protests along the streets,” Itumbi wrote. “The police should not interfere with your moves.”
Gerald Bitok, the communications director at the presidency, said young people were beginning to turn against the protests. “The Gen Zs and the young people of this country have made it clear that they will not be part of the demonstrations that are now synonymous with terror,” he said on X.
Reassessing the Approach
During a public forum on X on Tuesday evening attended by over 400,000 people, one protest supporter said the movement bore some responsibility for the chaos by continuing to call for demonstrations after Ruto withdrew the tax hikes. “You are equally culpable if you are still beating the drums of war,” he said.
Other speakers blamed the violence on paid goons but agreed that demonstrators should take a step back and call off Thursday’s protest. “We will have more casualties and we will not achieve what we want,” one speaker said. “Let’s go back. Let’s strategize.”
More Stories
KPLC Customer in Kericho Alleges Bribery Demands, Fictitious Billing, and Lack of Power Restoration
Hon. Seth Steve Okute Launches Campaign for ODM Nomination
Corruption Fuels Unrest in Uganda as Anti-Graft Protests Erupt in Kampala