Kenyan Capital Faces Renewed Protests Amid Calls for Presidential Resignation

In Kenya's capital Nairobi, anti-government demonstrations on August 8, 2024, were met with police intervention, as authorities used tear gas to disperse protesters in the city center. The event, known as the "Nane Nane" march (meaning "eight eight" in Swahili), is part of an ongoing movement calling for reforms and the resignation of President William Ruto.

These protests are the latest in a series that began peacefully in June 2024 but have since turned violent, resulting in over 50 fatalities. The demonstrations have led to significant disruptions in Nairobi's financial district, with businesses closing and streets becoming deserted as police established roadblocks.

Kenya, East Africa's largest economy with a population of approximately 55 million, has been grappling with political unrest since the protests began. The country, which gained independence in 1963, has made strides in various sectors, including digital innovation, earning it the nickname "Silicon Savannah." However, it continues to face challenges such as corruption and youth unemployment, which stands at around 13% as of 2024.

In response to earlier protests, President Ruto made several concessions. He canceled planned tax increases after demonstrators briefly entered parliament in June. Additionally, he reshuffled his cabinet in July, retaining only the foreign minister and appointing opposition members to new positions. Despite these changes, activists have criticized the move as insufficient and continue to demand the president's resignation.

The protesters are calling for comprehensive reforms to address corruption and improve service delivery at both county and national levels. Kenya's struggle with corruption is evident in its ranking of 123rd out of 180 countries in the 2023 Corruption Perceptions Index.

President Ruto has defended his actions, stating that the new cabinet reflects national unity and will address the protesters' demands. At the swearing-in ceremony of the reconstituted cabinet on August 8, 2024, he emphasized the importance of prioritizing national interests over political affiliations.

"Where Kenya is today, while competition is healthy and good, there is a moment where the interest of a nation is greater than the interest of a political formation."

The protests, which have no official leadership and are primarily organized online, reflect the ongoing tension between the government's stance on democracy and the protesters' actions. Ruto has increased his criticism of the demonstrations while maintaining his commitment to investigating alleged police abuses during previous protests.

As Kenya continues to navigate these political challenges, it's worth noting that the country has a history of post-election violence, most notably in 2007-2008. The current situation underscores the delicate balance between maintaining order and addressing citizens' concerns in a nation working towards achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.