By D. W. G. Kalani Tharanga, JadeTimes News
Escalating Protests and Police Response
Kenya has been gripped by intense anti government protests in recent weeks, with police resorting to tear gas in both the capital, Nairobi, and the coastal city of Mombasa to disperse demonstrators. The protests, initially sparked by a controversial finance bill, have led to significant disruptions, with many businesses in city centers remaining closed. Demonstrations have also spread to other cities, including Kisumu, reflecting widespread discontent.
The unrest has seen chaotic scenes, particularly in Mombasa, where cars have been set ablaze amid violent clashes between protesters and police. In Nairobi, the turmoil has forced magistrates to delay court hearings, highlighting the severe impact on daily life. Shop owners in central business areas of both Nairobi and Mombasa have hired vigilantes armed with clubs to protect against looting, a testament to the heightened sense of insecurity.
Despite President William Ruto's decision to drop the proposed tax increases, the protests have evolved into broader calls for his resignation and condemnation of police brutality. The situation has been exacerbated by reports from human rights groups that claim 39 people have been killed by security forces since the protests began two weeks ago. The state funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) has documented numerous abuses, including 361 injuries, 32 cases of enforced disappearances, and 627 arrests. Amnesty International has reported 24 deaths among protesters, while police figures put the death toll at 19.
Human Rights Violations and Public Outcry
The response of Kenyan police to the protests has drawn widespread criticism, with accusations of excessive and disproportionate force. The KNCHR has strongly condemned the violence inflicted on protesters, medical personnel, lawyers, journalists, and even on safe spaces such as churches, medical emergency centers, and ambulances. This condemnation reflects the broader outrage over the heavy handed tactics employed by the authorities.
President Ruto, while acknowledging the police's efforts, has promised to address any excesses through existing mechanisms. However, his assurances have done little to quell the anger and frustration among the populace. The protests have become a symbol of the broader dissatisfaction with Ruto's administration, which came to power two years ago with promises to revitalize the economy. Instead, Kenyans have faced a worsening cost of living crisis, with increased taxes on salaries, fuel, and gross sales.
Amidst the turmoil, some individuals are finding unique ways to express their dissent and document the impact of the protests. Linda Indakwa, a 29 year old artist, has been capturing the demonstrations through her artwork in Nairobi. Her pieces poignantly depict the human toll of the unrest, serving as a powerful reminder of the personal tragedies behind the statistics. One of her artworks, for instance, portrays a protester who was shot dead by police, reflecting the deep sense of mourning and loss felt by many Kenyans.
The ongoing protests and the government's response highlight the urgent need for dialogue and reform to address the underlying issues driving the unrest. As the nation grapples with these challenges, the path forward remains uncertain, with both the government and the protesters locked in a tense and potentially volatile standoff.