Thousands of young protesters gathered at the Tom Mboya Fountain outside the National Archives in downtown Nairobi on Sunday, chanting revolutionary slogans and singing the Kenyan national anthem in a powerful display of political dissent.
The demonstration was the latest in a series of youth-led protests that have swept through the country in recent weeks, as members of the Gen-Z generation demand the resignation of President William Ruto amidst concerns over corruption, the economy, and a perceived lack of representation.
Sunday's protest began peacefully, with the crowd assembling at the iconic Tom Mboya statue and brandishing signs with slogans like "Ruto Must Go" and "We Want Change." As the numbers swelled, the protesters broke out into rousing renditions of the national anthem, their voices echoing through the streets of the central business district.
"This is our country, and we won't be silent any longer," said 19-year-old protester Kioni Mutua. "We're tired of the corruption and mismanagement, and we're going to keep fighting until we see real change."
After the initial rally at the fountain, the protesters embarked on a peaceful march through the city center, chanting and waving Kenyan flags as they made their way through the bustling streets. Despite the large turnout, the demonstration remained calm and orderly throughout.
"I'm really proud of how disciplined and organized these young people are," said 45-year-old bystander Fatima Ali. "They're making their voices heard, but they're doing it in a way that commands respect."
As the march neared its conclusion, the protesters were met by a contingent of police officers who had been monitoring the event. However, instead of confrontation, the two sides engaged in a constructive dialogue, with the commanding officer commending the demonstrators for their peaceful conduct.
"We appreciate your right to protest, and we're here to facilitate that in a safe and responsible manner," the officer told the crowd. "Let's work together to ensure this remains a lawful and productive event."
Satisfied with the officer's assurances, the protesters eventually dispersed, vowing to reconvene for future demonstrations. The Saba Saba holiday celebrations continue, with the youth-led protest movement showing no signs of losing momentum.
"This is just the beginning," Mutua said. "We're not going to stop until we see the change we're fighting for."
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