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Al-Ahram Weekly
9 hours ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Kenyan anniversary protests turn violent - Africa
Marches in Kenya to mark a year since massive anti-government demos turned violent on Wednesday as protesters engaged in running battles with police, who flooded the streets with tear gas and sealed off government buildings with barbed wire. At least 60 people were killed last year by security forces in weeks of protests over tax rises and the dire economic situation for young Kenyans, peaking when a huge crowd stormed parliament on June 25. Thousands gathered in central Nairobi on Wednesday, including the families of last year's victims, for initially peaceful anniversary marches. But others called to "OccupyStateHouse" -- referring to the official residence of President William Ruto -- and many schools and businesses were closed for fear of unrest. At least one police officer and several protesters were injured, AFP journalists saw, as scattered groups ripped up flagstones to throw projectiles at security forces and small bonfires were lit around Nairobi's central business district. A man suspected of being a plain-clothed officer was manhandled by the crowd. Last year, unidentified police were seen shooting protesters. Police blocked major roads into the centre and surrounded State House and parliament with barbed wire. Protesters laid flowers at the barriers in memory of those killed last year. The crowd was mostly young men, who waved Kenyan flags, branches and placards with pictures of victims, while chanting "Ruto must go". "We are marching against police brutality, against oppression by the government, against high taxation, everything that is going wrong in this country," said Anthony, 25, who was also selling flags and did not want to give his full name. The government ordered TV and radio stations to halt live coverage of the protests, which were rapidly gaining momentum beyond the capital, including in the port city Mombasa. "We are here as the young generation. We want a complete overhaul of the system, the system is rotten, the system is rogue," said protester Florence Achala in Nairobi. 'Goons' Anger has flared over police brutality, particularly after a teacher was killed in custody earlier this month. A group of peaceful protesters was attacked last week by a gang of motorbike-riding "goons", as they are known in Kenya, armed with whips and clubs and working in tandem with the police. Western embassies in Kenya, including those of Britain, Germany and the United States, criticised in a joint statement "the use of hired 'goons' to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings". The "goons" were not clearly present on Wednesday but police used large amounts of tear gas and water cannons as they attempted to push back groups of protesters. Analyst and lawyer Javas Bigambo told AFP he was worried political groups would exploit the volatile mood to foster violence. "There is nothing good to celebrate about the events that happened last year," he said. "If we were serious about commemorating June 25th, it should be in solemnity, prayer and restraint." Disillusioned There is deep resentment against Ruto, who came to power in 2022 promising rapid economic progress. Many are disillusioned by continued stagnation, corruption and high taxes, even after last year's protests forced Ruto to cancel the unpopular finance bill. His government has been at pains to avoid direct tax rises this year. But the frequent disappearances of government critics -- rights groups have counted more than 80 since last year's protests, with dozens still missing -- have led many to accuse Ruto of returning Kenya to the dark days of its dictatorship in the 1980s and 1990s. Ruto has previously promised an end to abductions but was unapologetic in a speech on Tuesday, vowing to "stand by" the police. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:
eNCA
11 hours ago
- Politics
- eNCA
Kenyans take to the streets for protest anniversary
NAIROBI - Thousands took to Kenya's streets on Wednesday to mark a year since protesters stormed parliament at the peak of anti-government unrest, despite fears they would be met by state-backed gangs and police violence. At least 60 people were killed last year by security forces in weeks of protests over tax rises and the dire economic situation for young Kenyans, peaking when thousands invaded parliament on June 25. Activists and families of victims have called for peaceful anniversary marches but some instead called to "OccupyStateHouse" -- referring to the official residence of President William Ruto -- and many schools and businesses were closed for fear of unrest. Police blocked major roads into the capital's business district and government buildings were barricaded with razor wire. The marches were largely peaceful early Wednesday with protesters, mostly young men, waving Kenyan flags, roses and placards with pictures of those killed last year, while chanting "Ruto must go". "We are marching against police brutality, against oppression by the government, against high taxation, everything that is going wrong in this country," said Anthony, 25, who was also selling flags. AFP | Tony Karumba In Nairobi, there were signs of violence, with some protesters throwing rocks and police firing tear gas. AFP journalists saw at least three injured protesters. A man suspected of being a plain-clothed officer was manhandled by the crowd. Last year, unidentified police officers were seen shooting protesters. "We are never violent, it's the police and the hired goons they bring. When they start teargassing, they bring out the violence," said Alex Mukasa, a 28-year-old activist. Protests were also reported in Mombasa and several other counties. 'Goons' Anger has flared over police brutality, particularly after a teacher was killed in custody earlier this month. A group of peaceful protesters was also attacked last week by a gang of motorbike-riding "goons", as they are known in Kenya, armed with whips and clubs and working in tandem with the police. AFP | Luis TATO Western embassies in Kenya, including those of Britain, Germany and the United States, criticised in a joint statement "the use of hired 'goons' to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings". Analyst and lawyer Javas Bigambo told AFP he was worried political groups would exploit the volatile mood to foster violence. "There is nothing good to celebrate about the events that happened last year," he said. "If we were serious about commemorating June 25th, it should be in solemnity, prayer and restraint." - Disillusioned - There is deep resentment against Ruto, who came to power in 2022 promising rapid economic progress. AFP | Tony Karumba Many are disillusioned by continued stagnation, corruption and high taxes, even after last year's protests forced Ruto to cancel the unpopular finance bill. His government has been at pains to avoid direct tax rises this year. But the frequent disappearances of government critics -- rights groups have counted more than 80 since last year's protests, with dozens still missing -- have led many to accuse Ruto of returning Kenya to the dark days of its dictatorship in the 1980s and 1990s. AFP | Eden EZRA
