At least one person was killed during renewed anti-government protests in Kenya on Tuesday, as police clashed with demonstrators demanding President William Ruto's resignation. These youth-led protests, which began a month ago in opposition to proposed tax hikes, have continued despite Ruto withdrawing the legislation and dismissing nearly his entire cabinet. Activists are calling for Ruto to step down and for systemic reforms to address corruption and poor governance. According to the government-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), at least 50 people have died in the protests so far.
In Kitengela, on the southern outskirts of Nairobi, police repeatedly fired at hundreds of protesters, some of whom threw rocks. Demonstrators burned tires, waved Kenyan flags, and chanted "Ruto must go!" A Reuters reporter saw a protester's body with a head wound. The national police spokesperson declined to comment, while the interior ministry's statement emphasized restraint by security agencies.
Tuesday's protests were some of the largest since Ruto withdrew the tax increases on June 26, with demonstrations reported in at least 23 of Kenya's 47 counties. In central Nairobi, riot police used tear gas on dozens of protesters, and medics were seen assisting an injured person. In Nakuru, a journalist was injured, with footage showing her bleeding from her thigh. Activist Njeri Wa Migwi, protesting in downtown Nairobi, claimed the demonstration was peaceful until police intervened with tear gas.
The protests have created a significant crisis for Ruto, who has been in power for two years. Facing demands from lenders to reduce deficits and a population struggling with rising living costs, Ruto has been criticized for his handling of the situation. Protesters have also targeted the International Monetary Fund (IMF), blaming it for the proposed tax hikes. The IMF has stated its aim is to help Kenya overcome economic challenges and improve citizens' well-being.
Ruto's office had announced "multi-sectoral" talks to address protestors' grievances, but there was no indication they had begun. Leading activists have rejected the invitation, demanding immediate action on corruption and other issues. The protests have turned violent at times, with police opening fire and demonstrators storming parliament on June 25. KNCHR reported 50 deaths, 413 injuries, 682 arbitrary detentions, and 59 abductions or disappearances related to the protests.
Ruto has pledged to investigate abuse allegations but has largely defended police actions. He recently accepted the resignation of the national police chief, a key demand of the protesters. On Monday, Ruto accused the Ford Foundation, an American philanthropic organization, of sponsoring the violence, without providing evidence. The Ford Foundation denied these claims, asserting its non-partisan policy for grant-making.