Occupy JKIA: Gen-Z Set to Challenge President Ruto with Tuesday Protest

President William Ruto will face another test on Tuesday, July 23rd, as protesters take to the streets despite warnings of possible dire consequences. This fresh wave of protests has been ignited by Ruto's intention to reappoint six former cabinet secretaries to his new cabinet, against the expectations of many Kenyans who desire a complete overhaul of the current administration.

In Nairobi, protesters plan to occupy critical infrastructure such as the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) while avoiding the central business district, unlike previous protests.

Background

The protests initially began as a stand against the punitive 2024 finance bill but have since evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations. The latest protest planned for Tuesday aims to oppose the reappointment of Kitur Kiki, Aden D Alice, Wome Soy, Pantya Davis, Churir, and Rebecca Miano to the new cabinet.

Government Response

President Ruto has vowed to end the protests, claiming they breed anarchy and come at a significant economic cost to the country. On Sunday, he expressed his frustration, saying:

"They cannot continue to be anonymous. Let them step forward and tell us what this violence is going to achieve in the Republic of Kenya and what their plan is beyond this violence."

Despite the president’s warning, supporters of the Tuesday protests remain unrelenting. They have been using social spaces to strategize since the first protests took place in Nairobi on Tuesday, June 18th.

Strategic Occupation

Some protest leaders are pushing for a shutdown of the JKIA, East Africa’s premier aviation hub, to draw international attention to recent events in the country and exert economic pressure on the government. Protest planners aim to block any entry and exit to the airport by occupying major link roads, including Mombasa Road, the Expressway at the [undefined] Exit, Outer Ring Road, and Airport Road.

Demands

The Gen-Z protesters have a list of demands for governance reforms, including:

Dissolution of the cabinet and Parliament.
Resignation of the president.
Rationalization of taxes.
Reinstatement of popular social protection programs.
Employment of JSS teachers and medical interns.

The protests have drawn condemnation from Kenya Kwanza leaders. Elements within the political and civil society sectors have allegedly joined the protests to push a "nefarious and cooked agenda," indicating that their aim is to change the government through unconstitutional, illegal, and forceful means.

Dennis Omi reporting for KTN News in Nairobi.

Keywords

President William Ruto
Protests
Nairobi
Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA)
Finance Bill 2024
Cabinet Reappointment
Governance Reforms
Kenya Kwanza
Social Protection Programs
Tax Rationalization

FAQ

Q: What is the main reason for the protests? A: The protests were initially against the punitive 2024 finance bill but have evolved into broader anti-government demonstrations.

Q: When are the next protests scheduled? A: The next protests are scheduled for Tuesday, July 23rd.

Q: What do protest planners aim to occupy? A: Protest planners aim to occupy the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) and major link roads, including Mombasa Road and the Expressway.

Q: What are the demands of the protesters? A: The protesters demand governance reforms, including the dissolution of the cabinet and Parliament, resignation of the president, rationalization of taxes, reinstatement of social protection programs, employment of JSS teachers, and medical interns.

Q: How has President Ruto responded to the protests? A: President Ruto has vowed to end the protests, claiming they breed anarchy and come at an enormous economic cost to the country.

Q: Who is organizing the protests? A: The protests are being organized primarily by members of the Gen-Z demographic and have garnered support from various political and civil society sectors.

Occupy JKIA: Gen-Z Set to Challenge President Ruto with Tuesday Protest