Kenya police deploy teargas at protesters

On Thursday, Kenyan police fired tear gas in central Nairobi as small groups of protesters gathered for a planned day of action against President William Ruto.

Riot police patrolled the central business district, set up roadblocks on major roads, and many shops were closed. However, only a few dozen demonstrators showed up, according to AFP journalists.

Kenya, typically one of the more stable nations in East Africa, has experienced weeks of sometimes deadly protests against Ruto’s administration, largely led by young Gen-Z Kenyans.

While Ruto was attending the swearing-in of a newly appointed cabinet, police in the central business district used tear gas and detained several individuals. Despite this, the streets were largely quiet, with normal activities continuing.

Television footage from Mombasa showed normal traffic and no signs of unrest, and the western city of Kisumu was reported to be calm as well.

Acting police chief Gilbert Masengeli had warned on Wednesday that “criminals” might attempt to infiltrate the protests and advised people to avoid sensitive areas like the main international airport and Ruto’s residence, and to exercise caution in crowded places.

What began as peaceful protests led by youth against proposed tax hikes has expanded into broader criticism of Ruto’s administration, focusing on perceived government overspending and corruption.

Since the protests began in mid-June, at least 60 people have been killed, with accusations of excessive police force, including the use of live ammunition, and numerous reports of missing individuals, according to rights groups.