Kenyan police fired tear gas in Nairobi's central business district on Thursday as small groups of protesters gathered to demonstrate against President William Ruto's administration. The protests, largely led by young Gen-Z Kenyans, have been ongoing for weeks, with participants opposing controversial tax hikes and accusing the government of excessive spending and corruption. Despite heavy police presence and roadblocks, only a few dozen demonstrators turned out, while most streets remained quiet, and shops were closed.
As Ruto swore in a revamped cabinet a few kilometers away, police detained several individuals and dispersed the crowds with tear gas. Meanwhile, other major cities like Mombasa and Kisumu reported calm with no significant unrest. The protests, dubbed "Nane Nane" to signify the date, August 8, have seen reduced participation in recent weeks, but tensions remain high as at least 60 people have been killed since the demonstrations began in mid-June.
In response to the growing public anger, Ruto has taken measures including scrapping the proposed tax hikes, reshuffling his cabinet, and making significant budget cuts. The installation of a new "broad-based" cabinet, which includes both opposition figures and previously dismissed ministers, was presented by Ruto as a step toward a "new chapter" for Kenya's governance and development. However, the president continues to face challenges in balancing the demands of international lenders and the struggles of ordinary Kenyans facing a cost-of-living crisis.
