Protesters in Nairobi have taken their grievances to the next level, setting up camp outside Afya House, a significant government building, to voice their discontent over proposed tax hikes and alleged police brutality.
The demonstrations, sparked by President William Ruto's controversial finance bill for 2024/2025, have escalated into a call for Ruto's resignation.
The scenes outside Afya House at night are intense, with demonstrators holding firm despite attempts by authorities to disperse them.
Tear gas has been used to break up crowds, but protesters remain steadfast in their demands.
They assert that the tax increases, aimed at repaying international debts, unfairly burden ordinary Kenyans who have not reaped benefits from loans acquired by the government.
"We are here to peacefully protest," said one demonstrator, expressing frustration over what they perceive as government mismanagement of funds borrowed from entities like the IMF and World Bank.
"These loans were supposed to help our country, but we haven't seen improvements in our lives," they added.
The protests have turned deadly, with clashes resulting in casualties and injuries among protesters.
Activists and human rights groups have condemned the government's response, accusing security forces of using excessive force to quell dissent.
Frederick Odhiambo Ojiro, a prominent activist with Haki Africa, criticized President Ruto's recent address to the nation, describing it as insincere.
Ojiro indicated that protesters plan to continue their demonstration until their demands, including justice for victims of police violence and accountability for government spending, are met.
The camp outside Afya House symbolizes a growing movement against perceived injustice and economic hardship in Kenya.
Demonstrators are not only calling for policy changes but also for broader accountability in governance.
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