1 killed as fresh protests intensify in Kenya

NAIROBI — One person was killed and several others were shot and injured in Kenya as anti-government protesters returned to the streets on Tuesday after a one-week hiatus.

The young protesters, who were demanding justice for those killed in previous protests and urging President William Ruto to implement reforms to reduce the cost of living, barricaded roads, lit bonfires and engaged police in running battles across the country.

In the capital city Nairobi, at least three people were shot and wounded during the protests that saw hundreds of young people flocking to the streets.

Business operations across cities and towns were disrupted as traders stayed away from their stores and guarded them with different weapons out of concern for looting.

Public transport was paralyzed throughout the day, leaving many unable to return home after coming into the central business district for their daily activities.

"I came to the streets today for two reasons. First is to stand in solidarity with those who were killed during past protests, and second, to push the government to institute various reasons to stop burdening taxpayers with higher taxes," said John Kimani, a protester in Nairobi.

The daylong protests were observed in various parts of the country, with some of the protesters breaking into shops and looting.

Businesses paralyzed

In Kitengela, about 33 kilometers on the outskirts of Nairobi, protesters paralyzed businesses in the town and barricaded the main road that connects Kenya and Tanzania. Police used tear gas canisters to disperse them, but the protests continued throughout the day. At least one protester was killed during the melee and two supermarkets in the town were looted, according to police reports.

In Kakamega in western Kenya, protesters broke into a fuel station and looted the premises as the protests escalated into violence.

In past weeks, Ruto has sought to satisfy the demands of the demonstrators by dismissing almost the whole cabinet, dropping the Finance Bill 2024 and implementing austerity policies.

The Finance Bill 2024, which triggered the protests, had sought to raise an additional $2.7 billion through new taxes.

The president has also called for a multisectoral dialogue with various leaders, including the youth whom he addressed for the first time via X.

"I have turned a new page, pray for me as I plan to get new employees who will help me actualize the promises we gave, because we want to transform the country. We want to have a country that is steady, firm, and prosperous, and carries the aspirations of the people," Ruto said on Sunday in reference to his dismissal of the cabinet.

This, however, has not pacified restless youthful demonstrators, who have called for more action from the president, with some calling for his resignation.

The IMF has said its main goal through its lending programs with Kenya is to help the country overcome economic challenges and improve its people's well-being.

Xinhua - Agencies