London, Jan 27 (IPS) – Young Kenyan protesters are paying a high price for speaking out. Last June, a protest movement led by first-time activists from generation Z emerged in response to the government’s fiscal bill, which would have introduced tax increases. The government quickly scrapped its plans, but the protests continued, expressing anger at the economic crisis, high levels of corruption and outgoing politicians. The government’s response was violent. The police used batons, teargas and water cannon against the protesters. On the worst day of violence, 25 June, when some protesters tried to appear in Parliament, the police fired live bullets. It is reported that more than 60 people were killed during the protests. At least 1,200 were reportedly arrested.
Since then, there has been a wave of confidence among young activists. At least 82 people are reported to have been abducted by armed groups since June. Others were taken before major planned protests. More than six months after the protests began, the carrying continues. While most have been evacuated, about 20 people are still thought to be missing.
On January 6, five young men who were abducted last month were found. Among them was Kibet Bull, known for his satirical cartoons. One of the five was reportedly beaten and beaten. Several other successful attackers describe the traumatic experience of being arrested, although it has a chilling effect: Many of those released have decided not to talk about their experiences.
Security forces denied involvement. But the government minister, Public Service Cabinet Justin Muturi, recently said that Kenya’s National Intelligence Service has the service of his son, Leslie Muturi. He was released after President William Ruto intervened.
Ruto, whose resignation was sought by protesters, promised on December 27 that the hostages would stop. But at the same time, he seemed unwilling to listen to the titles of activists, accusing parents of not raising their children well and telling young people not to respect social media leaders.
Now people are protesting to demand the release of those who were attacked and the accountability of those responsible for them. These protests, like those before them, were met with police violence. On December 27, the police responded by calling for a demonstration to expel six people with teargas and arrests. Authorities have charged protesters with unlawful assembly and inciting violence.
Protests against the takeover continued in the capital, Nairobi, and elsewhere, as protesters were arrested.
In another disturbing development, youth activist Richard Otieno was attacked by three unknown persons and killed in Elburgon town on 18 January. He was known to the public for criticizing the government and a local member of Parliament, and was arrested for participating in the 2024 protests. His killing sparked local protests.
Police Repression
Violent suppression of protests has long been a problem in Kenya. In June 2023, six people died in a Protest Organized by the Opposition – Fighting Taxes and High Cost of Living. Many people were killed during the protests in June 2024, and when protesters gathered in Nairobi in October to seize power, they arrested several activists who tried to enter the park where the protest was taking place. The police also used violence to fight anti-danger protests in November and December 2024.
But the current wave of foreclosures is an additional problem of oppression. It suggests that those in power are increasingly frustrated by the emergence of a new generation of protesters and their demands, and by their persistence in the face of police violence, and are upping their tactics accordingly.
As well as regularly using violence against protesters, the police have been accused of discord. Even if they don’t do them directly, they are accused of standing by and allowing them to happen, and failing to deliver them and bring justice to the victims. Few cases are solved. As a result, the rule of law is invoked.
Kenya is in a dangerous situation. Due to the brutal crackdown on protests, in December the country’s national rating was lowered to ‘suppressed’, the second worst rating, in the consciousness of the government, our research program that follows the life of freedom and civil liberties around the world.
Look for change
Adoption can overcome some people who have found themselves on the receiving end of State violence. But they can also backfire. People who say that politicians and the State cannot be trusted are vindicated. The result will be further failure of trust in public institutions.
Kenyan youth have found their voice, proving that they are willing to speak out, organize and demand an end to corrupt and corrupt politics. The protests were marked by creativity, widespread use of social media and solidarity across dividing racial lines. They helped inspire similar protests in some African countries, including Nigeria and Uganda, creating a rare sense of shared confidence that change could come. Those hopes were not completely defeated. The takeover may have silenced people, but the shared desire for change has not gone away.
Andrew firem Is the editor of Civicus in-Chief, director and writer for Civicus Lens and author on federal law.
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© Inter Press Service (2025) – All rights reservedOriginal Source: Compression service
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