Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets on Wednesday, June 25, chanting “Ruto must go” and demanding the President’s resignation.
The protests mark one year since a wave of anti-government demonstrations culminated in people storming parliament, an event that saw at least 60 people killed by security forces amid protests over tax hikes and a struggling economy.
Activists and families of those who died had called for peaceful demonstrations to commemorate the deadliest day of last year’s unrest. However, today’s protesters escalated their demands, calling to “Occupy State House,” referring to President William Ruto’s Nairobi office.
Many schools and businesses in the capital remained closed due to fears of unrest. Early on Wednesday, June 24, police blocked major roads into the central business district, and government buildings were barricaded with razor wire in anticipation of the demonstrations.
Protesters waved Kenyan flags and held placards bearing images of those killed last year. “I’ve come here as a Kenyan youth to protest, it is our right for the sake of our fellow Kenyans who were killed last year,” said Eve, a 24-year-old unemployed woman, to AFP. “The police are here… they are supposed to protect us but they kill us.
Beyond commemorating the anniversary, renewed anger has also been fueled by recent accusations of police brutality, particularly following the death of a teacher in custody earlier this month after he criticized a senior officer.