Kenya : Reasons Behind The Protests

For more than three weeks now Nairobi, the Kenyan capital has witnessed an unprecedented street protests that has left many dead and enormous material damage. Though officially protesters were out to mark the first anniversary of mass anti-tax protests during which 60 died and dozens were abducted by Kenyan police, the demonstrations rapidly turned to protests against police brutality, government corruption in cities across the country and disenchantment with President William Ruto’s handling of the country’s affairs. But besides the numerous grievances brandished, many observers are of the opinion that the above reasons are just a smoke screen.
In 2024, when protests were organized to oppose Mr. Ruto’s proposed tax law, the reasons they put forth was that an increase in taxes would raise the cost of purchase of everyday goods for many Kenyans. In spite government’s efforts to reduce or suspend some of the taxes, the movement instead broadened its demand to include a wide range of grievances. Some of which are longstanding, structural problems, including Kenya’s spiraling debt, corruption in the administration and rampant government scandals. 
Hence, the demonstrators are also fueled by anger over the treatment of protesters. Early this month, they took to the streets to remember those who died in last year’s clashes and to demand accountability for the death of a blogger while he was in police custody. Though three police officers were charged with murder for his death, many protesters still defy government orders by going on the streets to express their frustration with “the political class.” 
With the economy, most demonstrators say  it is at a standstill because of wrong decisions by the current government. Last year during the heat of demonstrations in the capital Nairobi and other major towns, President Ruto’s administration withdrew his finance bill, but ...