NAIROBI – Kenyan activists are grappling with a new challenge after demonstrations calling for President William Ruto’s resignation descended into chaos on Tuesday. The eruption of violence and looting has forced them to reassess their tactics amid fears it could derail their movement.
Activists allege that the violence was orchestrated by “goons” hired by politicians to discredit the protests or further their own agendas. Some have even called for the cancellation of upcoming demonstrations scheduled for Thursday.
“It appears the government has realized that their only defense against this movement is to incite violence through hired thugs,” stated Ojango Omondi, a Nairobi-based activist, to Reuters. “They’re trying to sabotage our cause by looting and turning the public against us.”
Omondi, along with others, is urging a return to the drawing board to develop strategies to counter the violence and maintain focus on the core objectives of the movement. The Kenyan government has yet to respond to requests for comment, but Interior Minister Kithure Kindike issued a statement on Tuesday blaming the unrest on “criminal gangs” and accusing some of attempting to “politicize crime.”
The protests began peacefully last month, fueled by outrage over proposed government tax hikes. While police responded with tear gas and water cannons, the initial demonstrations remained largely calm. This movement, united by economic grievances, marked a departure from previous protest movements often fueled by ethnic tensions and orchestrated by political figures.
However, the protests took a tragic turn last week when demonstrators stormed parliament, leading to a police response that resulted in dozens of deaths. In the aftermath, Ruto reversed the proposed tax increases, yet the protests continued, with demands expanding to include anti-corruption measures and the president’s resignation.
Tuesday’s demonstrations were marred by violence from the outset. Clashes erupted in Nairobi and other towns, with young men hurling stones at police. Looting broke out, prompting shopkeepers to arm themselves to defend their businesses. Foi Wambui, a young actress who participated in the Nairobi protests, expressed her disillusionment and decided to leave due to the chaos.
