A heavy police presence engulfed Nairobi on Wednesday as Kenyans took to the streets to mark the anniversary of last year’s deadly anti-tax protests, which left at least 60 dead and 20 missing. The government’s attempt to downplay the day as “normal” failed to deter demonstrators or halt widespread business closures in the capital.
Riot police in full gear sealed off key government buildings, including Parliament and the Prime Minister’s office, deploying tear gas at crowds chanting anti-government slogans. Vehicle access into the city’s central business district was restricted, and early morning demonstrations signaled strong public defiance.
The protests, largely driven by young Kenyans mobilized via social media, aimed to honor the victims of the 2024 unrest when protesters stormed Parliament and set part of it ablaze. Watchdog groups say police opened fire on demonstrators then, and the military was deployed to restore order.
Despite a statement from government spokesperson Isaac Mwaura declaring Wednesday a normal working day with “no protests,” Nairobi’s streets told a different story. Businesses stayed shut and tensions remained high.
Public anger remains potent, fueled by corruption allegations, economic hardship, and continued police brutality. Recent incidents, including the death of a blogger in police custody and the shooting of a protester at close range, have further inflamed sentiment.
Wangechi Kahuria, director of the Independent Medico-Legal Unit, which monitors protest-related deaths, called for peaceful remembrance: “Kenyans should be allowed to mourn and go back home.”
Police Inspector General Douglas Kanja warned on Tuesday that protected zones like Parliament and the statehouse would be off-limits to unauthorized persons.
In tribute to last year’s victims, Kenyan media published names and photographs of the deceased. The Standard newspaper featured the headline “A luta Continua,” a Portuguese phrase meaning “The struggle continues,” famously used in anti-colonial movements.
Political analyst Herman Manyora described the fallen protesters as “heroes” and urged authorities to support peaceful commemoration. However, he warned that growing frustration among the youth could escalate if the government continues to ignore public grievances.
Last year’s protests prompted President William Ruto to dissolve his Cabinet over claims of incompetence and corruption. But most ministers were later reappointed, and despite withdrawing a controversial finance bill at the time, new tax measures were quietly introduced later in the year.
President Ruto has since made political overtures to the opposition, including appointing opposition members to his Cabinet and signing a pact with rival Raila Odinga. However, these moves have done little to quell the rising tide of dissatisfaction among Kenyans.
