Thousands of protesters gathered across Kenya as they marked the anniversary of last year's deadly demonstrations against a tax plan. With police deploying tear gas in major cities like Nairobi and Mombasa, demonstrators expressed their frustration over economic difficulties and police brutality. As public urgency grows, calls for governmental reforms become more fervent amid heightened tensions.
Rekindled Protests in Kenya Demand Justice and Economic Equity
Rekindled Protests in Kenya Demand Justice and Economic Equity
A year after deadly protests against a controversial tax plan, Kenyans take to the streets once again to voice their discontent over rising economic hardship and government accountability.
On Wednesday, a large crowd rallied across various cities in Kenya, commemorating a year since a fateful uprising against a contentious tax proposal. Tensions ran high as police deployed tear gas in central Nairobi, where demonstrators brandished Kenyan flags and blew whistles. The increased police presence resulted in the closure of banks and businesses, heightening the sense of urgency surrounding the protests.
In the coastal city of Mombasa, participants carried placards denouncing the government, as local television captured their expressions of anger. "Many of us are being killed with no reason," declared Don Cliff Ochieng, a 24-year-old security guard who joined the protest to demand more economic opportunities and an end to police brutality. "It is our right to demonstrate," he underscored, emphasizing the need for a platform to voice grievances.
Kenya's top police official, Douglas Kanja Kirocho, urged demonstrators to avoid confrontational acts against law enforcement as tensions rise. These protests echo last year's upheaval when tens of thousands challenged a finance bill perceived to exacerbate the cost of living by imposing hefty taxes on everyday goods and services. Mobilized largely by the youth through social media, Kenyans rallied against these proposed measures until they faced violent clashes with police.
The anniversary of the initial protests brings forth a renewed sense of urgency as citizens demand accountability from their leaders. As the country grapples with increasing economic instability and social unrest, the calls for reform resonate louder than ever.
