Thousands of young people marched through Kenya streets Wednesday to remember protesters killed one year ago. Security forces shot and killed at least 60 demonstrators during weeks of protests against tax increases. The marchers carried Kenyan flags and pictures of dead protesters. Many shouted demands for President William Ruto to leave office. Police blocked major roads leading into the capital city center.
Government workers put razor wire around official buildings to stop protesters from entering. Most demonstrators were young men angry about poor economic conditions and high taxes. Eve, a 24-year-old woman without a job, said police should protect citizens instead of killing them. Opposition party leaders said young people needed to honor those who died fighting for better government. Schools and businesses closed because owners feared new violence.
Protesters also expressed anger about police violence against civilians. A teacher died after police arrested him for criticizing an officer earlier this month. Groups of men on motorcycles attacked peaceful demonstrators last week with whips and sticks. These hired attackers worked with police to break up gatherings. Diplomats from Britain, Germany and the United States criticized Kenya for using gangs against peaceful protesters.
President Ruto won election in 2022 after promising economic growth for the country. Citizens remain disappointed about continued poverty, corruption and high taxes. Rights groups count more than 80 government critics who have disappeared since last year. Ruto defended police actions and warned protesters not to threaten officers. Many people compare current conditions to Kenya's dictatorship years during the 1980s and 1990s.
Government workers put razor wire around official buildings to stop protesters from entering. Most demonstrators were young men angry about poor economic conditions and high taxes. Eve, a 24-year-old woman without a job, said police should protect citizens instead of killing them. Opposition party leaders said young people needed to honor those who died fighting for better government. Schools and businesses closed because owners feared new violence.
Protesters also expressed anger about police violence against civilians. A teacher died after police arrested him for criticizing an officer earlier this month. Groups of men on motorcycles attacked peaceful demonstrators last week with whips and sticks. These hired attackers worked with police to break up gatherings. Diplomats from Britain, Germany and the United States criticized Kenya for using gangs against peaceful protesters.
President Ruto won election in 2022 after promising economic growth for the country. Citizens remain disappointed about continued poverty, corruption and high taxes. Rights groups count more than 80 government critics who have disappeared since last year. Ruto defended police actions and warned protesters not to threaten officers. Many people compare current conditions to Kenya's dictatorship years during the 1980s and 1990s.
