June 25, 2024, will remain etched in the books of history in Kenya as the dark day when more than 10 protestors were shot dead inside and outside the Country’s National Parliament precincts as their counterparts continued to breach the security and occupy the August house after a majority of the members of parliament voted to pass a bill proposing to increase taxes.
What began as a wave of anti-government sentiment on social media opposed to the passing of the Finance Bill 2024 quickly escalated into a dramatic standoff, particularly in the country’s capital, Nairobi, as protesters – mostly young people of the Millennial and Gen Z groups, made good their threat of breaching security and occupying the National Parliament with the police responding with brutal force, including shooting live rounds on the protesters.
Police officers prepare to respond to the surging crowds of protesters forcing their way into the country’s National Parliament.
The young people now aim to occupy the country’s Seat of Power, the State House, President William Ruto’s official residence.
Tuesday’s brazen breach of Parliament by thousands of demonstrators marked a turning point in Kenya’s political history, underscoring deep-seated frustrations with the current administration, particularly among the country’s young people, who make up to 65% of its more than 55 million people.
Africa Global News editor Sam Abuya interviewing one of the demonstrators in the barricaded streets of Nairobi.
The chaotic scenes, broadcast live on mainstream and social media, showed throngs of protesters breaking through parliament’s fence, taking the heavily armed police officers head-on while charging forward and chanting slogans demanding governmental reforms, ending corruption, government wastages and removal of the sitting president.
A police truck burning outside the National Parliament.
Hundreds of thousands of protesters who started flooding the streets of Nairobi early in the morning engaged the anti-riot police officers in running battles, carrying placards encrypted with various anti-government messages.
Protesters run past a burning police truck.
Other cities like Mombasa in the coastal region, Nakuru and Kisumu, plus other main towns, would follow suit and the youth engaged police in mostly peaceful protests.
In a move that shocked the nation, demonstrators in Nairobi left members of parliament scampering for safety after braving water cannons, teargas and live bullets from the police to occupy the legislative chambers for several hours. The act of occupying Parliament, the seat of Kenya’s democracy, sent shockwaves through the country and beyond, fueling further the protests in major cities, including Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret.
In Nairobi, the epicentre of the demonstrations, tension remains palpable as protesters, who have insisted they do not have a particular leader, announce their next target – the State House.
Security forces have been placed on high alert, with the president deploying the Kenya Defence Forces to boost efforts by the Kenya Police officers, especially in securing critical government institutions, including the State House.
Reports from human rights activists and organizations indicate that at least 200 individuals have been arrested in connection with the protests, though opposition leaders claim the number is likely higher.
Anti-riot police in action against the protesters.
President Ruto conceded to the protesters’ demands, refused to assent the contested Finance Bill 2024 into law, and instead sent it back to parliament for withdrawal. He also extended an olive branch to the protesters for dialogue, something which a section of the youth refused to heed and continued with the anti-government demonstrations across the country.
The people have had enough. We demand an end to corruption and impunity. Occupying State House is our way of showing that power belongs to the people, not a select few.
said one of the youthful protesters in Nairobi.
The catalyst for these widespread demonstrations can be traced back to allegations of widespread government corruption, exacerbated by economic hardships, government wastage, and arrogance in some senior government officials. Critics of President William Ruto accuse his administration of failing to deliver on promises of reforms he promised during campaigns close to two years ago, citing a lack of transparency and accountability as key grievances.
A face-off between the police and protesters.
Meanwhile, the government had condemned the protests as unlawful and disruptive to national security earlier, with the president terming the protests as “treasonous” before quickly making a u-turn and inviting the young people into talks with his government.
President William Ruto had termed the demos “treasonous” before making a u-turn and invited the young people for a dialogue over the issues raised.
International reactions have been mixed. Some foreign diplomats have expressed concern over the escalating tensions, while others have reaffirmed the rights of Kenyan citizens to peaceful protest. The United Nations issued a statement urging both sides to exercise restraint and engage in dialogue to find a peaceful resolution.
As dusk settles over Nairobi, the future remains uncertain. On one side, the protesters continue to regroup in city squares, their determination undiminished by police crackdowns, abductions, and the recent deployment of the military. On the other side, the government has sworn to repulse any attempts to occupy the State House. For many, the protests, including the occupation of the National Assembly, are a stark reminder that the people’s will and voice cannot be ignored.
