Unrest in Kenya: Protesters Demand Ruto's Resignation Amid Rising Tensions

At least one person was killed in renewed anti-government protests across Kenya, demanding President William Ruto's resignation. Despite Ruto retracting proposed tax hikes and dismissing almost his entire cabinet, demonstrations persist. The protests have resulted in over 50 deaths, countless injuries, and widespread detentions, highlighting systemic issues like poor governance and corruption.

At least one person was killed in renewed anti-government protests across Kenya on Tuesday, a Reuters reporter observed, as police clashed with demonstrators demanding that President William Ruto step down. Youth-led protests, which erupted a month ago against proposed tax hikes, have continued unabated even after Ruto retracted the legislation and dismissed almost all his cabinet members. Activists insist on Ruto's resignation and call for systemic changes to combat corruption and address poor governance.

The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported that at least 50 people have been killed in the protests to date. In Kitengela, on the southern outskirts of Nairobi, police fired continuously at hundreds of protesters who were burning tires, waving Kenyan flags, and chanting "Ruto must go!" Reuters TV footage showed some protesters hurling rocks in response. A Reuters reporter saw a deceased protester with a head wound, but the national police spokesperson declined to comment. The interior ministry's statement instructed security agencies to exercise restraint.

Tuesday's demonstrations were among the largest since Ruto withdrew the tax hikes on June 26. The Nation newspaper reported protests in at least 23 of Kenya's 47 counties. In Nairobi's city center, riot police fired tear gas at several dozen protesters, and medics were seen carrying an injured person on a stretcher. In Nakuru, a journalist was hurt, with television footage showing her bleeding from her thigh. Njeri Wa Migwi, an activist protesting in downtown Nairobi, said the demonstration was peaceful until the police intervened. "Today feels very insidious. It was like the police were out to get us," she said.

(With inputs from agencies.)