A year after the controversial 2024 Finance Bill protests in Kenya, the streets of Nairobi once again see unrest as police clashed with citizens demonstrating against government actions. Despite prior promises of reform, allegations of excessive force and human rights violations persist, stirring renewed calls for accountability from Kenyan authorities.
Recent demonstrations, occurring across 23 counties, initially sparked by the memory of last year’s protests, were exacerbated by the death of blogger Albert Ojwang and demands for the resignation of President William Ruto. These protests saw the deployment of anti-riot police early in the morning, with reported use of teargas against protesters in various locations. Peaceful demonstrations gradually turned violent by midday, leading to injuries and fatalities, including deaths in the Nairobi Central Business District and a multitude of injuries sustained by participants.
The right to protest is protected under Article 37 of the Constitution of Kenya 2010. However, reports indicate that peaceful protest was met with violence, raising urgent questions about the enforcement of constitutional rights. Instances such as an attack on a female police officer and the shooting of a protestor in Kitengela highlight the dangerous volatility of the situation.
Adding to the complexity, the Communications Authority of Kenya (CAK) issued a directive against live media coverage of the demonstrations, citing contraventions of the Kenya Information and Communication Act. This prompted a backlash from press freedom advocates and legal entities. A High Court ruling later suspended this directive, thus preserving live coverage rights pending further judicial review.
Non-Governmental Organizations, including the Katiba Institute and the Kenya Human Rights Commission, have filed lawsuits challenging the government’s actions that included road blockades in Nairobi—actions allegedly against specific court orders banning such measures. This legal challenge underscores the tension between governmental authority and civil liberty protections.
The economic toll of these recent unrests on local businesses has been severe, with reports of looting, vandalism, and arson amid the chaos. As Kenya grapples with these challenges, pressing questions remain about the trajectory of its democracy and governance, and the steps needed to safeguard civic rights while ensuring accountability.
Further information can be read on the original Jurist report.