By Burnett Munthali
Nairobi and other parts of Kenya witnessed continued unrest on Tuesday, driven by widespread opposition to a finance bill set to escalate living costs. The protests persisted despite President William Ruto’s recent announcement that he would not endorse the bill following last week’s tumultuous storming of parliament.
In Nairobi, police deployed tear gas against demonstrators, and many businesses opted to stay shuttered to avoid potential looting incidents. Meanwhile, the crucial highway linking Nairobi to Mombasa, Kenya’s second-largest city, was blocked by protesters who set ablaze bonfires as a symbol of their discontent.
Despite the president’s pledge not to sign the bill, apprehensions remain high that Ruto could reverse his decision before the approaching deadline next week. Moreover, the protests have morphed into a broader demand for accountability, with some demonstrators calling for President Ruto’s resignation. They accuse him of presiding over ineffective governance and policies that exacerbate economic hardships for ordinary citizens.
The escalating unrest demonstrates deep-seated frustrations among Kenyans regarding economic policies and governance issues. As the situation unfolds, all eyes are on President Ruto’s next move and the potential ramifications for Kenya’s political stability and economic future.
