Kenya is experiencing widespread protests against President William Ruto, driven by anger over proposed tax hikes and the country's financial crisis. The protests, which have resulted in at least 30 deaths, are the most significant challenge to Ruto's two-year presidency. Demonstrators, particularly young people, are demanding Ruto's resignation, accountability, and economic reforms. The protests have led to violent clashes with police, who have been accused of using excessive force, including shooting at unarmed civilians. In response, the High Court has barred police from using tear gas, water cannons, and bullets against protesters. Despite Ruto's withdrawal of the controversial finance bill, the unrest continues, with calls for further demonstrations and strikes. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the country's financial policies have also come under scrutiny, with analysts warning that failure to meet fiscal targets could jeopardize IMF funding and market access. The government has deployed the Kenya Defense Forces (KDF) to maintain order, a move criticized by opposition leaders and human rights groups. President Ruto has also directed Sh346 billion budget cuts after signing the Appropriations Bill.
Ruto now calls youth to join 100-member team to sort their issues https://t.co/Eb6pbeGnQW https://t.co/laudMapd9s
Col (RTD) Julius Minyori on the situations where KDF can be deployed internally #CitizenWeekend @OBurrows https://t.co/nSSc2umRUj
Why young Kenyans are protesting against IMF https://t.co/ixGATp1xva
Kenyan protesters are attacking the homes of several Lawmakers, who supported the increase in taxes.
Thuku Mburu – Programme Officer, ICJ Kenya: Kenyans ought to interrogate the gazette notice issued by the CS. The protests do not warrant a state of emergency or the deployment of KDF #CitizenWeekend @OBurrows https://t.co/aeZR3BscZs
Duale defends KDF deployment: Duale justifies decision to deploy military in 47 counties Duale: Deployment aims at maintaining peace and order Duale: I thank our youth for holding peaceful protests #CitizenWeekend @OBurrows https://t.co/pxVDzx6OUT
Victims of police brutality; Number of protesters killed by police continue rising Mombasa family discovers body of missing kin in morgue Ombati: I am demanding justice for my son Joash Body of 17-year-old Gredo Oyaro found at MTRH, Eldoret #CitizenWeekend @OBurrows https://t.co/RyKv6VzMfv
KDF Deployment Uproar Azimio la Umoja One Kenya Coalition leader Raila Odinga says the military presence in the streets is a sign of a failed civilian authority in the country even as Defense CS Aden Duale defends the move. #NTVWeekendEdition @vincentoduor254 @jamessmat https://t.co/KQGpsWezSe
Raila opposes KDF deployment: Azimio leader slams court for allowing KDF deployment Raila: KDF not supposed to be on the streets Raila: Civilian authority in this country has failed #CitizenWeekend @OBurrows https://t.co/oyI3v95Cym
Ruto announces dialogue plan: Ruto proposes formation of national multi-sectorial forum Ruto: Forum to iron out concerns raised by youth Each group to nominate 2 members to form nat’l steering CTTE Ruto: Those who burnt parliament, businesses were not Gen Z #CitizenWeekend… https://t.co/1uhkognwKW
The Collar On Trial President William Ruto has met the third congregation of Christian leaders at State House, Nairobi in his attempt to have them sway their flock towards dialogue. #NTVWeekendEdition @NBrygettes @jamessmat https://t.co/kTkRKMvYRj
In his address on the Finance Bill 2024, President Ruto announced significant reductions in operational expenditures, including cuts to the travel budget. My curiosity led me to examine the allocated figures for 2024/25, and the State House travel budget has stood out so far:…
Ruto now calls youth to join 100-member team to sort their issues https://t.co/Eb6pbeGnQW https://t.co/C1ySKiHihN
President Ruto calls for nomination of representatives to the National Multi-Sectoral Forum to engage with stakeholders in addressing concerns raised by the youth https://t.co/3MbmsTKBAE
ICYMI: At least 30 people have died in protests in #Kenya sparked by a government drive to substantially raise taxes in the East African country, the Human Rights Watch says. https://t.co/Ru9SRR5Nbt
#World360 | Kenya finance bill: Several killed, parliament building set on fire as citizens protest proposed tax hike Political Analyst @HManyora joins in with @akankshaswarups #Kenya #TaxBill #FinanceBill #Protests https://t.co/opwspSdS9d
Edith Wanjiku holds onto one of the few photos she's left with of her teenage son Ibrahim Kamau. His life was cut short by two gunshot wounds to his neck that were sustained during Kenya's deadly protests on Tuesday in which more than 20 people were... https://t.co/EkBpAP1iUU
Gen Zs are past the talking stage & want action like: —A stable tax regime —Fire the corrupt —STOP the abductions —Create a better environment for businesses —Create jobs in, not out of Kenya Do we really need another committee? Or is this just another per diem eating session? https://t.co/OV9zvJhk89 https://t.co/9ZVMIvqYig
Gen Zs are past the talking stage & want action like: —A stable tax regime —Fire the corrupt —Create a better environment for businesses —Create jobs inside, not outside Kenya Do we really need a committee to get these done? Or is this just another per diem eating session? https://t.co/DiI8dnnXA1 https://t.co/9ZVMIvqYig
In response to the Finance Bill protests, President Ruto has announced the formation of the National Multi-Sectoral Forum (NMSF) to address youth concerns: 🛠️ A 100-member National Steering Committee (NSC) will lead the NMSF. 🗳️ Each umbrella body to nominate two… https://t.co/AnCvMFCd2C
Dozens Killed in Protests as #Kenya Revolts Against #Tax Hikes, Calls for Presidential Resignation https://t.co/YVu9tIxGqi
Ruto hosts 96 AIPCA bishops for talks on 'opportunities for our young people' https://t.co/Q2t7QBAAR4
Anti-Finance Bill protests: 20 human rights groups call on IPOA to arrest rogue cops https://t.co/fJipb0pc2L
Some have compared Kenya’s tax riots with Egypt’s uprising of 2011. The protests against William Ruto’s finance bill have the whiff of revolution https://t.co/30QlMAtyD1 👇
Death Toll Rises To 30 In Kenyan Government's Clampdown On Protesters | Sahara Reporters https://t.co/m7QpKeW10S https://t.co/KDxGh1Du6K
Azimio Coalition leader Raila Odinga condemns police brutality during anti-government demos, calls on Kenyans to stand firm in quest to fight for their rights; faults court on military deployment https://t.co/AxsDMqZTpV
Njuki: Protests hijacked Governor Njuki urge Kenyans to embrace dialogue Njuki says goons have hijacked ongoing Gen Z protests #CitizenWeekend @OBurrows https://t.co/5YOCCh3YzS
Njuki: Protests hijacked Governor Njuki urge Kenyans to embrace dialogue Njuki says goons have hijacked ongoing Gen z protests #CitizenWeekend @OBurrows https://t.co/aSA5Gd78Im
Mass protests continue in Kenya even after President William Ruto withdrew a tax reform bill which ignited them to begin with. So why are Kenyans still protesting? https://t.co/MksdCFiSCv
At least 30 people died in protests in Kenya this week sparked by a government drive to substantially raise taxes in the East African country, Human Rights Watch said Saturday. https://t.co/VUwAuWfp5w
Millions of funds from Kenyans sent to families of deceased and injured protesters https://t.co/QLTw8UwXj5
At least 30 killed in Kenya anti-government protests: HRW #ARYNews https://t.co/oT7yrGIZZs
Kenyan security forces shot directly into crowds of protesters on June 25 including protesters who were fleeing. That clear violation of Kenyan and international law should be vigorously prosecuted. https://t.co/QbfDXhmCTz
At least 30 people have died in protests in #Kenya sparked by a government drive to substantially raise taxes in the East African country, the Human Rights Watch monitor says. https://t.co/Ru9SRR5Nbt https://t.co/BGkbNI2nmn
#LIVE | Kenya Police fire tear gas as Kenyans continue protests Tune in here for all the latest updates: https://t.co/ooIrUeGvQU #Kenyaprotest #williamruto #kenyaclash #KenyansForKenya https://t.co/QF4xN5zcON
#LIVE | Protesters clash with Kenya Police in Nairobi Tune in here for all the latest updates: https://t.co/ooIrUeGvQU #Kenyaprotest #williamruto #kenyaclash #KenyansForKenya https://t.co/smWTz8a1Ky
Scuffles between protesters and police erupted again around Nairobi's presidential palace, as rallies continued Kenya despite President William Ruto's pledge to withdraw a finance bill and proposed tax increases. https://t.co/I8uhUGZLM6
Kenya Protests Simmer After Deadly Week Of Demonstrations https://t.co/RghDKidWVf
Deadly Kenya protests spurred by international debt woes https://t.co/dPB6UliAdC
The conditions that led to Kenya’s protests this week are simmering in many other countries in Africa, @justicemalala writes https://t.co/28Ac3n32KA via @opinion
The conditions that led to Kenya’s protests this week are simmering in many other countries in Africa, @justicemalala writes https://t.co/MQ07QMTF99
Dozens Killed in Riots as #Kenya Revolts Against #Tax Hikes, Calls for Presidential Resignation https://t.co/YVu9tIxGqi
High Court Bars Police From Using Water Cannons, Tear Gas, Bullets Against Protesters https://t.co/zWxAluCOwT https://t.co/XZSTN1ugrA
Days of anti-government protests in Kenya accompanied vandalism and looting, leaving small businesses to deal with the fallout. What also lies in tatters is Kenya's plan to tackle its heavy debt burden with IMF support https://t.co/NZgqi1DPDp https://t.co/mxhw44FQyZ
Protesters in Kenya are increasingly calling for President William Ruto to step down, even after he caved to demands to withdraw a deeply unpopular tax-hike bill. https://t.co/S7DRm8X3UP
Was there a massacre after Kenya's anti-tax protests? https://t.co/DtUxZMtjZm
President Ruto directs Sh346 billion budget cut after Finance Bill rejection https://t.co/hcQ8MCKHGe https://t.co/ufJyFNNMWD
Massive looting occurs in Nairobi, Kenya following recent protests against President Ruto's initiatives https://t.co/fSCbfUG2pp
The underlying cause of the mass unrest in Kenya has been brewing for some time: Young Kenyans are struggling to get by in a country where the economic and financial infrastructure is largely pitted against them, Nina Berman writes. https://t.co/0U7uVKegsR
Anti-government protests in Kenya have left some shops in ruins, like the one belonging to Francis Ochieng. But what also lies in tatters is Kenya's plan to tackle its heavy debt burden with IMF support https://t.co/NZgqi1DhNR https://t.co/1CK4w2Mla6
'Kenya has changed forever' - inside first funerals held for protesters killed by police. Read more 🔗 https://t.co/awLDIqzhe5
Crowds of Kenyans have gathered for funerals and continued protests across the country, as at least 27 people were killed in violent demonstrations that started over a controversial tax bill. Protesters are now demanding the president’s resignation and government reforms. https://t.co/9Io4ttOSHY
Mass protests continue in Kenya even after President William Ruto withdrew a tax reform bill which ignited them to begin with. So why are Kenyans still protesting? @maringafelix explains. https://t.co/8H5LLj3lqy
Given the recent court ruling and the deployment of Kenya Defence Forces to all 47 counties until normalcy is restored, should we consider Kenya a military state now? https://t.co/ZOc5zIUIYK
Several people were shot outside Kenya's parliament on Tuesday as police clashed with protesters who stormed the complex after lawmakers passed highly controversial tax increases. https://t.co/76vZtA1BmQ
Nairobi protests and clashes continue despite president's pledge to withdraw finance bill https://t.co/dcZg5XLOCv
Government issues a gazette notice that deploys the Kenya Defense Forces nationwide: —Deployment covers all 47 counties & will continue until normalcy is restored (indefinitely?) —KDF to adhere to constitutional standards & principles, ensuring minimal disruption to daily life https://t.co/emJNZptsrD https://t.co/jknBkNqrTY
Ruto orders budget cuts: President Ruto orders reduction of funds allocated to counties Ruto’s directive follows rejection of the Finance Bill 2024 Treasury ordered to immediately prepare a supplimentary budget #CitizenFridayNight @lillian_muli https://t.co/6HivcxliPd
CS Duale now announces KDF deployment to all 47 counties https://t.co/YVKuBrHam9
Ruto resignation, MPs’ pay cuts: Gen Zs unveil fresh demands as protests take new life https://t.co/tfxXC6qZoC
Police or Political Hit Squad? Kenyans unmask identity of one of the rogue police officer Officer caught on video shooting at the public in Nairobi Video highlights the brute force used by police officers #CitizenFridayNight @lillian_muli https://t.co/RQGgGz82J9
From The Streets To Hospital Wards Over 200 people are reported to have been injured during the demonstrations this week. Kin of man shot outside parliament demand justice. #NTVWeekendEdition @DannMwangi @hellenaura1 https://t.co/uxjafBW7wD
Gen-Z set demands: Netizens share a list of demands they want implemented Protest shifts from Anti-Finance Bill to accountability Gen Z gives the govt 30 days to constitue the IEBC #CitizenFridayNight @lillian_muli https://t.co/UveTt9KOtU
Rongai child shot 8 times: 12-year-old boy shot dead by police in Rongai town Family says Kennedy Onyango Ouma was shot 8 times Jacinta: How can police shoot my son 8 times Ouma was killed as police battled Ant-Tax Bill protesters #CitizenFridayNight @lillian_muli https://t.co/bn3f9IsKnI
KDF deployement terms: CS Duale announces deployment of military across the country Duale: Deployment of KDF will cover the forty-seven counties #CitizenFridayNight @lillian_muli https://t.co/xuxAalUxfi
39 missing: Killed or detained? Families in agony over their missing kin Families suspect police kidnapped kin Njoroge: I have not seen my son since Tuesday Injured protesters hospitalized at KNH #CitizenFridayNight @lillian_muli https://t.co/4iXFaMTpHW
Justice For Kennedy Onyango A 12 -year old boy was shot dead by police firing recklessly at protesters in Ongata Rongai on Thursday. The family learnt about his death, from a video clip that went viral on social media. #NTVWeekendEdition @DannMwangi https://t.co/fE8DOGQdMS
In Kenya, young people continue to protest to demand that their MPs reject a bill that proposes punitive taxes. Police in Kenya have been filmed shooting live rounds at peaceful protestors who attempted to enter the parliament. Authorities must end the crackdown on protestors. https://t.co/5tEgkPQAf1
Members of Parliament approve countrywide deployment of KDF. #TTTT Livestream: https://t.co/M2yOcLpCfz https://t.co/IMWewKSLst
Kenyans outraged after cop fires at unarmed civilians in close range Livestream: https://t.co/M2yOcLpCfz https://t.co/0aeQk1yYR8
Kenyans outraged after viral video of cop firing at unarmed civilians in close range Livestream: https://t.co/M2yOcLpCfz https://t.co/YuVIK3HPDj
Kenyan activists call for fresh protests demanding Ruto's resignation https://t.co/lr56qukzqB https://t.co/4AxRSCXtTo
A funeral has been held at a mosque in Nairobi for 19-year-old Ibrahim Kamau, who was shot during a protest against a since-withdrawn tax bill that was proposed by the government. Read more 🔗 https://t.co/ZbcmFABzF1 https://t.co/CqE2AR81kR
🔵 KENYAN ACTIVISTS CALL FOR FRESH PROTESTS DEMANDING RUTO'S RESIGNATION Kenyan activists on Friday circulated calls for fresh protests, strikes and sit-ins demanding President William Ruto quit, after nationwide demonstrations forced him to U-turn on proposed tax hikes. Full… https://t.co/x6ptObGcux
President Ruto directs Sh346bn budget cuts for counties and national government as he assents to Appropriations Bill https://t.co/G0tH7Jq9Ji
Gov’t set for budget cuts as President Ruto signs Appropriations Bill 2024 https://t.co/aDEomtHrpK
🇰🇪 Kenyan government went ruthless on the unarmed protesters. It’s still going on. https://t.co/eThfGJtQWC https://t.co/OP7xonAPkB
Tirelessly, Kenya is putting up the biggest resistance in its young history, despite the country’s High Court ordering the military to “restore order” in the latest move. Amnesty International on Wednesday warned of mass arrests, hundreds of injured, and kidnappings of protesters… https://t.co/Q64Z7JmjjK
After dramatic tax win, Kenya’s young protesters plot next moves https://t.co/bSZBYjDJF1 https://t.co/OR5Xxzh7O0
Anti-tax protests: 123 people charged for looting, destroying property worth Ksh.100M in Naivasha https://t.co/FGAzmAjDSp
PRESIDENT RUTO directs Sh346bn budget cuts for counties and national government as he assents to Appropriations Bill; refers County Allocation and Revenue Bill back to Parliament for reductions. https://t.co/2TL7JcsPtL
Kenya's National Treasury [@KeTreasury] has provided some more info on the upcoming budget cuts: 📋 The FY 24/25 Budget faces a KES 346B gap due to the President's rejection of the Finance Bill. ✂️ Given that, the National Treasury will cut down the FY 24/25 Budget across all… https://t.co/9UYqR6W7Ce https://t.co/NkuQCPBRHB
President Ruto has assented to the Appropriations Bill 2024: 📜 As per Articles 221 & 222 of the Constitution, the Appropriations Bill must be signed by June 30 to keep government operations running smoothly. ✍️ President Ruto has directed the National Treasury to reduce… https://t.co/DVHUsIXCDi https://t.co/MH5Oma6N4x
'Rock and A Hard Place': Kenyans Forced President Ruto To Take U-Turn On Tax Hikes, But What Now? https://t.co/D16H4ANRic
Kenya protests expose jet-setting Ruto's neglect of discontent at home https://t.co/llG9nAiu5I https://t.co/HGGoIo0qnF
Police shooting victims: LSK officials visit victim of police brutality at KNH Most of the protesters sustained gunshot wounds LSK disputes govt report on number of fatalities #CitizenBriefs @lillian_muli https://t.co/GrxCObLa43
The tax protests in Kenya are the first in the country with more of a class tinge than an ethnic one. Rarely has hatred for the political class felt so acute https://t.co/CgUo7TQXAc 👇
Kenya’s anti-government uprising seems unstoppable as military patrols, road blockades, tear gas, and police violence fail to quell the mobilization. Beginning as anti-IMF tax reform protests, people on Kenya’s streets are now demanding the overthrow of President William Ruto.… https://t.co/ugnNplvi2F
The chaos on the streets of Nairobi this week highlights the risky bet the Biden administration has made on the Kenyan leader William Ruto, orchestrated largely by US Ambassador Meg Whitman. https://t.co/YApdCpA1kk
🔵 KENYA PROTESTS EXPOSE JET-SETTING RUTO'S NEGLECT OF DISCONTENT AT HOME In the two years since he was elected, Kenya's President William Ruto has wowed global climate activists under the Eiffel Tower, brushed shoulders with global tech titans in Silicon Valley and was toasted… https://t.co/PutHwJmugM
The Kenyan High Court has approved the use of military force to restore order, following days of anti-tax protests that at some point overwhelmed police. https://t.co/cQpzfB6YcQ
Kenya's protests mark a generational revolution in the country's politics, writes Michell Gavin. https://t.co/SxErFNYN5a
High Court protects anti-tax protesters from violent police tactics https://t.co/LlSy7I32Xf https://t.co/znIGqfcwmI
Ruto’s Mt Kenya voters turn to protesters as party cracks surface https://t.co/Qjk2xBVpye
High Court bars police from using tear gas, water cannons, bullets or force on anti-tax protesters pending the determination of a suit filed by Saitabao Ole Kanchory. https://t.co/fkh1FibAdr
High Court bars police from using cannons, tear gas, live or rubber bullets, crude weapons or violence against protesters; ordered to stop extrajudicial killings, arrests, abductions, detentions and inhuman treatment https://t.co/lM29zejs73
High Court bars police from using water cannons, tear gas, bullets against protesters https://t.co/2e5ZoRg7WM
HIGH COURT bars police from using tear gas, water cannons, bullets or force on anti-tax protesters pending the determination of a suit filed by Saitabao Ole Kanchory. https://t.co/TFQAdnXC08
Kenya is preparing to implement spending cuts after deadly protests forced President William Ruto to back down on plans to raise $2.3 billion in new taxes https://t.co/nEwlO12kEK
⚡️Shots Fired: Protests Continue in Kenyan Capital - Demonstrators Demand Change https://t.co/7Ot5pE3PM7
🇰🇪 Protests continue in the Kenyan capital Nairobi, shots are heard https://t.co/LkIhhE4KYe
Uproar As Kenyans Expose Police Officer Who Shot At Peaceful Crowd https://t.co/bmROYl3lov https://t.co/X3DnLUbedt
Uproar as Kenyans expose police officer who shot at peaceful crowd https://t.co/9ZxTJ4VyrY
Scaled-back but determined protests in Kenya call for president to resign https://t.co/L9nLbK64A9
Kenyan court allows military deployment to quell protests https://t.co/nLmJgZYKsP
IMF has been in sharp focus this week given the protests in Kenya "Countries go to the IMF, get recommendations, do everything they can to remain on the good side of the IMF. And in the process of doing that, people end up hurt" - Analyst https://t.co/ujC8VcIuGU
Kenya's president has withdrawn the 2024 finance bill that prompted countrywide protests. But he has more tough choices ahead, @kopalo writes https://t.co/8K21uFgv7m via @opinion
Day of suppressed protests across as KDF patrol the streets of Nairobi https://t.co/YokpneMkWJ
What do Gen-Zs want? Wanja Maina - Communication Manager - The Hummingbird Grassroots Centre: We have been hearing words like IMF and World Bank. We are wondering even if we engage in public participation, are they listening to us as a people or the white people #CitizenDayBreak… https://t.co/Snzlf91aTM
The Economist this week: "Kenya now stands in uncharted territory. Not only was Parliament overrun, protests also erupted in at least 35 of the 47 counties, including in the highland heartlands of William Ruto, its suddenly embattled president" https://t.co/DeSYO3sFfz https://t.co/BEbN659xYg
What do Gen-Zs want? Steve Ogutu - Governance commentator: The best way to go is for the President to really implement his manifesto. I think he had one of the most transformative manifestos. This crisis has also revealed that manifestos really matter. That when you are… https://t.co/yrLMmKmKV0
What do Gen-Zs want? Wanja Maina - Communication Manager - The Hummingbird Grassroots Centre: How the youth mobilised each other on social media tells you they can mobilise each other to do positive things for the country. The youth want to be respected #CitizenDayBreak… https://t.co/Z0ZImrKkt4
Kenya's president has withdrawn the 2024 finance bill that prompted countrywide protests. But he has more tough choices ahead, @kopalo writes https://t.co/AlGTYRNS6C
The violent tax protests in Kenya are the first in the country with more of a class tinge than an ethnic one. Rarely has hatred for the political class felt so acute https://t.co/09z7kTr3kZ 👇
After dramatic tax win, Kenyan protesters plot next moves https://t.co/bua0KCvLrF https://t.co/aEUL8M0zEa
What Wall Street Analysts are saying about Kenya's Finance Bill protests: —S&P: Protests over Finance Bill threaten fiscal targets —Morgan Stanley: Not meeting fiscal targets risks IMF funding and market access —Moody's: Revenue shortfall and higher borrowing costs expected BBG https://t.co/4vIolRREqu
In Kenya, the anger over the tax hikes has led to the most serious crisis in President William Ruto's two-year presidency, with young people especially taking to the streets in protest. https://t.co/eLMftIoX3N
How IMF is embroiled in Kenya’s financial crisis, protests https://t.co/Co74M8YehF
Chants of #RutoMustGo featured heavily in Thursday’s protests, reports @gengetonedon in Nairobi for @SemaforAfrica https://t.co/BUxKnzrN6Y #RutoResignNOW
Kenya protests called for President Ruto’s resignation on Thursday https://t.co/l6d31UY36s