Kenya tightens security in anticipation of upcoming protests

Kenyan police patrolled the streets of Nairobi on Thursday, August 8, 2024, set up roadblocks on major roads, and many shops closed in preparation for new anti-government protests.

The East African country has faced weeks of sometimes deadly protests, mainly led by young Gen-Z Kenyans.

These protests are against President William Ruto’s administration, which has been in power for two years.

The acting police chief warned on Wednesday that “criminals” plan to infiltrate the demonstrations.

He advised people to avoid trespassing in “protected areas”, including the main international airport and the State House, which is the president’s official residence.

In a post on X, it was announced by the acting inspector general of police Gilbert Masengeli that “adequate security personnel” have been deployed.

However, he advised the public to “take extra caution while in crowded areas that are likely to turn riotous”.

Although the rallies that started in June have become smaller recently, online posters have called for new demonstrations on August 8.

The demonstration is named “Nane Nane,” meaning “Eight Eight” in Swahili.

Protest organizers have previously accused “goons” of taking over their peaceful demonstrations and inciting violence.

At least 60 people have died since the protests began.

What started as peaceful rallies against proposed tax hikes has grown into a broader movement against Ruto.

Rights groups accuse the police of using excessive force, including firing live bullets at protesters.

Moreover, they also report that dozens of people have gone missing without any trace.

Kenya Government urges youth to shun protests

On Wednesday, government spokesman Isaac Mwaura advised young Kenyans to avoid participating in uncontrolled protests.

He warned that such actions could worsen economic difficulties and reduce their chances of finding jobs.

Mwaura also said that the spread of misinformation had fueled the protests and urged people to “ignore these calls to violence.”

To address the biggest crisis of his presidency, Ruto has taken several steps to calm public frustration.

These include canceling the tax increases, fixing his entire cabinet, and implementing significant budget cuts.

He is caught between demands from international lenders to improve government finances to reduce the $78 billion debt.

On the other hand, ordinary Kenyans struggling with a cost-of-living crisis are faced by him.

Who is William Ruto?

William Kipchirchir Samoei Arap Ruto (born 21 December 1966) is a Kenyan politician who is the fifth and current president of Kenya.

Before becoming president, he served as the first elected deputy president of Kenya from 2013 to 2022.

Previously, the position was referred to as Vice President, and the officeholder was unelected and appointed by the President.

He previously served in three cabinet portfolios as the Minister for Home Affairs, the Minister of Agriculture, and as Minister for Higher Education.

Ruto was elected Member of Parliament for Eldoret North constituency from 1997 to 2007 under the KANU, and from 2007 to 2013 through the ODM party.

He was the Minister for Home Affairs in the Daniel Arap Moi administration from August to December 2002.

Under the Mwai Kibaki administration, he was the Minister for Agriculture from 2008 to 2010 and Minister for Higher Education from April to October 2010.

He again ran for the presidency in the 2013 election but withdrew his candidature in favor of Uhuru Kenyatta.

In the 2013 election, the nomination for the deputy presidency under the United Republican Party was given to Ruto.

He was re-elected to the deputy presidency under the Jubilee Party in the 2017 Kenyan general election.

Ruto successfully ran for the presidency in the 2022 election, this time under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA).

Amidst a fall-out, Kenyatta supported his opponent Raila Odinga.

Allegations of electoral fraud were made by allies of Odinga, although such claims have not been corroborated by international observers.

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