Gen Z youths resumed protests in several cities across the country, expressing dissatisfaction with the measures announced by President William Ruto to meet their demands, including the dismissal of his ministers.
They demonstrated in 40 counties, pressuring the President to step down, stating they had lost confidence in his administration.
This was the second major protest since they stormed Parliament last month to protest the passage of the 2024 Finance Bill, which President Ruto refused to sign.
The President also signed the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) bill and dismissed his ministers, but this did not quell the protesters’ anger, even after he blamed foreign organizations for funding the rebellion against his government.
In many cities, including Nairobi, normal activities were disrupted, with businesses closing as police clashed with the youths using tear gas throughout the day.
Despite some being killed, injured, and arrested for protesting, the youths continued to demonstrate with determination.
Yesterday, some were also arrested, shot, and injured, but their colleagues persisted in the protests.
Security forces placed heavy guards around Parliament, the Supreme Court, and other government areas to prevent a repeat of the June 25 storming.
Businesses closed on Tuesday in cities including Mombasa, Nairobi, Kisumu, Nakuru, Nyeri, Embu, Machakos, Makueni, Kajiado, Kericho, Eldoret, Nairobi, Uasin Gishu, Kakamega, Bungoma, Trans Nzoia, Homa Bay, Kisii, Meru, Laikipia, Baringo, Turkana, and Kilifi, among others.
Major roads across the country were blocked by protesters, disrupting transportation activities.
In Kitengela town, Kajiado County, protesters blocked the busy Namanga road, forcing the closure of several other roads.
The protesters were led by Free Kenya Movement chairman Bod Njagi, who carried the Kenyan flag.
Early in the morning, around 8 a.m., they gathered at the Kitengela transport hub, causing chaos among motorists.
Residents were forced to carry branches to show support for the protesters.
“We want change in the country. Politicians have ignored us for too long. From now on, the situation will not be calm in the country,” said one youth, marching with his dog in the protest.
Several trucks transporting goods from the border town of Namanga had to stop their journeys.
In Trans Nzoia County, county government offices were heavily guarded by police officers who patrolled all day outside the Town Hall Complex, where Governor George Natembeya’s office is located.
Police in Mombasa clashed with youths who had infiltrated peaceful protesters, causing chaos in downtown Mombasa.
The protests began in Bombolulu, where youths burned tires and blocked roads before the police arrived and extinguished the fires.
The protests quickly escalated, forcing the chief officer of the central police station, Mr. Maxwell Agoro, to ask the protesters to halt their demonstrations in the Sabasaba area.
Legitimate protesters left, and the police began clashes with youths who threw stones, blocked roads, and scattered trash on the streets.
In Kitale town, security officers in Trans Nzoia County dispersed youths attempting to protest.
Factories nationwide closed due to fears of attacks by protesters.
There were protests in several counties in the Mt. Kenya region, a stronghold of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, with youths taking to the streets to oppose the government.
Mr. Gachagua has been urging youths not to protest, especially after President William Ruto refused to sign the Finance Bill and dissolved his cabinet.
In Karatina town, Nyeri County, protesters clashed with police as anti-government demonstrations gained momentum.
At one point, police raided the open market in Karatina, throwing tear gas at the protesters.
Traders suffered significant losses as their goods were damaged in the ensuing stampede.
Other businesses quickly closed to avoid looting.
In Nyeri town, police set up roadblocks on main roads leading to nearby universities.
Four people were arrested outside Whispers Park, where protesters were supposed to gather to start their demonstrations.
The four had started singing anti-government songs while waiting for the crowd to grow.
In Embu town, many anti-government protesters took to the streets, paralyzing businesses in the town and its outskirts.
They protested, demanding President William Ruto resign. Fearing looting, traders quickly closed their shops. “Ruto must go! Ruto must go!” they chanted.
In Nanyuki town, Laikipia County, police fired tear gas to disperse a group of protesting youths, some of whom started chanting, “Ruto Must Go.”
“I’m not afraid to say Ruto Must Go, dare to shoot me now,” one protester shouted at the police, baring his chest.
In Meru town, the protests were hijacked by politicians as supporters of Governor Kawira Mwangaza demonstrated outside the Meru County Assembly.
This occurred ahead of the planned proposal to remove her from office.
In Garissa town, heavy security prevented youths from joining Tuesday’s protests
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