Tuesday was marked by bloody uproar in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi, following recent protests against President William Ruto’s financial bill. The chaotic scenes saw part of Parliament burn as protesters invaded the building and MPs fled. Bodies littered the streets, witnesses said police had opened fire, and the army was deployed. This violent movement, led by youth, constitutes the most serious attack against the Kenyan government in decades.
The measures contained in the finance bill aimed to increase or introduce taxes on a variety of everyday goods and services such as internet data, fuel, bank transfers and baby diapers. Although some of these proposals were withdrawn as anger mounted, the Kenyan government claimed the changes were necessary to generate an additional national income of $2.7 billion.
However, for protesters, these measures were seen as punitive, worsening an already difficult economic situation. Young Kenyans, who mobilized on social networks, organized peaceful demonstrations to protest against this bill. These protests, which began in Nairobi before spreading to other parts of the country, constitute a demonstration of growing popular opposition to the government’s economic policies.
President William Ruto, elected in 2022, has been criticized for his authoritarian approach to protests. The president’s attacks on the judiciary and his open disregard for the court’s decisions have raised concerns among democracy defenders who see in him the traits of a potential autocrat.
Despite his promises to support the working classes, President Ruto has disappointed many of his supporters, particularly hustlers, by removing essential subsidies for fuel and maize flour. His recent official trip to the United States, using a chartered private jet, further stirred up controversy and fueled criticism over his distance from the realities of daily life for Kenyans.
In short, recent events in Kenya demonstrate a deep division between popular aspirations and government policies. As the population demonstrates its discontent and desire for change, the authorities’ response risks exacerbating tensions and undermining the country’s political stability.