Protesters resumed demonstrations in Nairobi on Thursday, rejecting President William Ruto’s offer to put on hold an unpopular tax bill. Despite the president’s concession, demonstrators demanded his resignation, doubting the sincerity of his gesture.
In the commercial district of Nairobi, police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds. Many businesses were closed as protesters chanted, ‘Ruto must go, Ruto must go.’ Demonstrators expressed their resolve to continue protesting despite the heavy police presence and use of tear gas.
One protester, Karege, said, ‘The police are trying to scare us away, but I am here to peacefully protest. It’s time for the president to resign.’ Another protester emphasized their call for peace, despite the violent dispersal tactics used by the police.
Protester Kibsang criticized the government for overtaxing the population to repay debts from which ordinary Kenyans have not benefited. ‘We want to hear the measures he has put in place to curb high taxation. The government has taken a lot of loans from the IMF and the World Bank, and we as Kenyans have not seen any benefits. It has only gone to a few individuals. We are requesting the president to bring those involved in corruption to justice,’ he said.
In a national address on Wednesday, President Ruto announced his decision not to sign the controversial tax bill, one day after protests against the bill led to clashes with police and more than 20 deaths. He defended the proposed tax increases, stating that the funds would support farmers and employ teachers. He emphasised the need for a national discussion on managing the country’s budget and debt and expressed his intention to engage with the youth.
However, Frederick Odhiambo Ojiro, an activist and rapid response officer at human rights group Haki Africa, expressed scepticism about the president’s sincerity. ‘The president was not genuine in his statement, he was just trying to cover his face. We still have to demand accountability for the atrocities committed by this president,’ Ojiro told VOA. He mentioned plans to occupy State House until President Ruto resigns.
Ojiro was at a hospital caring for comrades injured in the recent protests. ‘Currently, we have 116 comrades still in the hospital and more than 200 who were treated and released. We are coordinating financial support to help cover medical bills and other needs,’ he said.
On Thursday, protesters were unable to access State House as all roads leading to it were blocked by police.
