Clashes in Nairobi: Protests Against Corruption and Government Supporters Face Off

In Nairobi, Kenya's police used tear gas to manage clashes between protesters and government supporters amid a sixth week of youth-led demonstrations against corruption and misgovernance. Despite President Ruto abandoning a $2.7 billion finance bill and making cabinet changes, protests persist with calls for his resignation. At least 50 lives have been lost, and security measures intensify.

Kenya's police fired tear gas to manage tense confrontations between protesters and government supporters in Nairobi on Tuesday. The youth-led demonstrations, now in their sixth week, began in opposition to tax hikes and alleged corruption, leading to the storming of parliament.

Despite President William Ruto's decision to abandon the $2.7 billion finance bill in June and subsequent cabinet reshuffles, protests have continued. On Tuesday, Ruto announced further changes, including swapping his defense and environment ministers. Government supporters paraded through Nairobi in a show of support for the president, condemning the ongoing protests.

Police have reported that the protests, which have claimed at least 50 lives, have been infiltrated by criminal gangs. Anti-government demonstrators continue to call for Ruto's resignation, while a strong police presence managed to prevent serious disruptions at Nairobi's main airports.

(Additional reporting by Humphrey Malalo; Writing by George Obulutsa and Hereward Holland; Editing by Duncan Miriri, Michael Perry, and Sharon Singleton)

(With inputs from agencies.)