Kenya's Gen-Z protesters remain defiant despite brutal response | DW News

Kenya's Gen-Z Protesters Remain Defiant Despite Brutal Response | DW News

Protests Continue Amid Repression

It's been more than a month since Kenyans took to the streets in protest against a new finance bill proposing sweeping tax increases. The sustained pressure has forced President William Ruto to withdraw the bill and dismiss his cabinet. However, this has not appeased the protesters, who remain resolute in their demands. In response to the ongoing defiance, police have banned protests in Nairobi City Center, citing the need to ensure public safety.

A Personal Struggle

George Boya, a 24-year-old who has attended every anti-government protest in Nairobi for the last five weeks, embodies the tenacity driving these demonstrations. For Boya, this fight is personal. "I was exposed to injustices at a very early age," he said. "I was used to seeing dead bodies from my childhood, and even now, growing up to be a young adult in this country and witnessing the excessive force used by law enforcement officers, it's appalling." According to Kenya's Commission on Human Rights, at least 50 people have been killed since the protests began.

Despite the risks, Boya returns to the demonstrations every week, determined and focused. "I know it's easy to be abducted or go missing, so I'll just find my group of people. We mobilize and continue being on the street until the government listens to our voices."

Police Repression

Shortly after an interview with Boya, police targeted the interviewer and their team, launching at least four canisters of tear gas when a crowd started forming nearby. The violent response underscores the challenges young protesters face as they demand change.

Young Kenyans, especially graduates struggling with unemployment, feel particularly betrayed by President Ruto, who promised job creation during his campaign. "We need empowerment, we need change," one protester said. "Most of our graduates have gone to school but are not employed. Our patience has worn thin."

Historical Frustrations

Activist Shakira Wula noted that issues like corruption and impunity are not new in Kenya. Despite 60 years of independence and a constitution established in 2010, substantial development remains elusive. "The corruption and impunity within the political class have reached shocking levels," she said. "Our time is now."

Wula emphasized the entrenched nature of these challenges, arguing that the government's violent response to peaceful protests has only fueled further activism. Initially motivated to reject the finance bill, Wula observed that the government's reaction revealed a deeper rot within the political system.

"Had the government responded positively to our initial protests, I don't think there would have been further pushes for more significant change," Wula added. "But their brutality made us realize the extent of the corruption and impunity we are fighting against."

A Call for New Leadership

Wula and other youth activists believe it is time to reclaim their country by pushing for new leadership. While she admitted she feels fear during protests, her frustration with the status quo far surpasses it. "I felt that the police, who should be siding with the protesters, were against us. It was important for me to voice the frustration driving so many of us to the streets," she concluded.

Kenya's young protesters remain undeterred, continuing to fight for a future they believe in, free from the corrupt and repressive practices that have long plagued their nation.

Keywords

• Kenya
• Protests
• President William Ruto
• Finance Bill
• Tax Increases
• Police Repression
• George Boya
• Public Safety
• Corruption
• Impunity
• Youth Unemployment
• Human Rights
• Nairobi
• Shakira Wula

FAQ

What triggered the protests in Kenya?

• The protests were initially sparked by a new finance bill that proposed sweeping tax increases.

Who has been a prominent figure in these protests?

• George Boya, a 24-year-old who has attended every anti-government protest in Nairobi for the last five weeks, is a prominent figure in the movement.

How has the government responded to the protests?

• The government has banned protests in Nairobi City Center, citing public safety concerns, and has responded with excessive force, including tear-gassing crowds.

What are some of the key issues driving the protests?

• The primary issues include corruption, impunity, and high unemployment among youths, despite promises from President William Ruto for job creation.

How has the violent response affected the movement?

• The violent response from law enforcement has only increased the protesters' resolve, revealing deeper issues of corruption and impunity within the political system.

What are the protesters demanding now?

• The protesters demand significant changes, including potential leadership changes, as they seek to reclaim their country from corrupt practices.