Kenyan President William Ruto asked citizens to stay peaceful after demonstrations broke out Wednesday across the East African nation. The president urged people to avoid violence and stop destroying public buildings. Ruto said Kenya needs everyone working together to make progress. Local news reports said two people died during the unrest. Scores more suffered injuries as property worth millions faced destruction.
Thousands of protesters filled streets carrying signs and singing songs. One man died when police fired shots at demonstrators in Matuu Town within Machakos County. A student lost his life in Molo Town located in Nakuru County. The demonstrations remembered those killed one year ago during protests against the Finance Bill 2024. Ruto eventually withdrew that controversial legislation after widespread opposition.
Protester Cyril Kadome said people came to honor victims from 2024. He noted that authorities continue taking people away without permission. Kadome believes little has changed since last year. Business activity stopped completely in Nairobi and other major cities. Shops closed their doors in downtown areas and residential neighborhoods.
Police Chief Douglas Kanja reminded citizens about their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly. He warned that breaking the law during protests violates those same rights. Security forces will stop anyone trying to disturb the peace. Kanja told protesters to avoid entering restricted places like Parliament and State House.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen promised government protection for all citizens. He said officials will work to keep people safe during these difficult times. The minister emphasized protecting both lives and property across the country. Demonstrations began early morning around 7 AM local time. Major towns affected included Nyeri, Eldoret, Machakos, Mombasa and Kakamega.
Thousands of protesters filled streets carrying signs and singing songs. One man died when police fired shots at demonstrators in Matuu Town within Machakos County. A student lost his life in Molo Town located in Nakuru County. The demonstrations remembered those killed one year ago during protests against the Finance Bill 2024. Ruto eventually withdrew that controversial legislation after widespread opposition.
Protester Cyril Kadome said people came to honor victims from 2024. He noted that authorities continue taking people away without permission. Kadome believes little has changed since last year. Business activity stopped completely in Nairobi and other major cities. Shops closed their doors in downtown areas and residential neighborhoods.
Police Chief Douglas Kanja reminded citizens about their constitutional rights to peaceful assembly. He warned that breaking the law during protests violates those same rights. Security forces will stop anyone trying to disturb the peace. Kanja told protesters to avoid entering restricted places like Parliament and State House.
Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen promised government protection for all citizens. He said officials will work to keep people safe during these difficult times. The minister emphasized protecting both lives and property across the country. Demonstrations began early morning around 7 AM local time. Major towns affected included Nyeri, Eldoret, Machakos, Mombasa and Kakamega.
