Video: Thousands of Kenyans demand President Ruto’s resignation on anniversary of deadly protests

Abdullateef Fowewe

Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets to mark the one-year anniversary of the deadly anti-government protests that shook the nation.

Video link: https://vt.tiktok.com/ZSBJMebqG/

The demonstrations, which culminated in the storming of parliament, left at least 60 people dead last year, victims of security forces’ violent crackdown amid widespread anger over tax hikes and the country’s worsening economic crisis.

In a powerful show of defiance, protesters chanted “Ruto must go” and called to “OccupyStateHouse,” referring to the Nairobi office of President William Ruto.

The marchers carried Kenyan flags and placards bearing the faces of those killed during the unrest, demanding justice and accountability.

Early on Wednesday, authorities took extensive security measures, blocking major roads leading to Nairobi’s central business district and surrounding government buildings with razor wire.

Many schools and businesses remained closed amid fears of renewed violence.

Eve, a 24-year-old unemployed woman, voiced the frustration of many young Kenyans, “I’ve come here as a Kenyan youth to protest, it is our right for the sake of our fellow Kenyans who were killed last year. The police are here… they are supposed to protect us but they kill us.”

The anniversary protests also reignited outrage over ongoing police brutality, especially following the recent death of a teacher in custody after he criticised a senior police officer.

Activists and families of victims had called for peaceful demonstrations, but the mood on the streets reflected deepening anger and calls for urgent political change.