Anti-government protests continued in Nairobi and across the country on Tuesday, even after President William Ruto announced he would not sign the Finance Bill that was feared to raise the cost of living.
In the capital city, riot police fired tear gas at coffin-carrying demonstrators, while many businesses remained closed out of fear of looting. Many men walked in town with weapons claiming to be fighting hired goons and looters.
The main highway to the country's second largest city, Mombasa, was blocked by protesters who lit bonfires. Two people were shot after the owner of a well-known restaurant tried to protect his business unsuccessfully. It was looted and cars parked outside set on fire.
The protests, led primarily by the country's youth, have expanded beyond the contentious Finance Bill to encompass broader concerns over corruption and poor governance under Ruto's administration. Some protesters have even called for the President's resignation.
"Goons have infiltrated," cautioned protest organiser Hanifa Farsafi on the social media platform X, expressing worries that the unrest was being exploited by those seeking to sow chaos.
Last week's demonstrations turned deadly when police opened fire on the crowds, resulting in at least 39 deaths, according to the Kenya National Human Rights Commission. Ruto has put the death toll at 19.
Despite Ruto's efforts to address the protesters' demands, such as promising budget cuts for his office's travel and hospitality expenses, the youth-led movement appears determined to keep up the pressure.
Outrage over the perceived lavish lifestyles of the President and other senior officials has fuelled the protests, which have occurred against the backdrop of high unemployment and rising prices.
Analysts warn that Ruto faces a delicate balancing act, needing to find a way to address the legitimate grievances driving the protests without resorting to heavy-handed crackdowns that could further inflame the situation.
The President's ability to restore stability and regain the trust of the Kenyan people may hinge on his willingness to enact meaningful reforms and demonstrate a genuine commitment to good governance.
The ongoing nationwide street protests are taking a heavy toll on the country's economy. Businesses remain shut and transport is paralysed as police clash with demonstrators in the major economic hubs.
The protests on Tuesday brought activity to a standstill in at least 13 counties, including Kenya's four largest cities. Experts warn that the economic impact could soon become severe.
The protests have grown increasingly violent, with reports of vandalism, muggings and looting. Some businesses in Nairobi have resorted to hiring security guards wielding batons to protect their premises, raising fears of further clashes.
In Mombasa, at least five buildings were vandalised after rioters took advantage of the protests to break into private businesses. Several vehicles were also damaged as police battled demonstrators in the coastal city. Among the vandalised premises were a coffee shop, a Bata shoe store, and a pharmacy where drugs, chairs, and fire extinguishers were stolen.
Similar scenes played out in Nairobi, Kisumu and Nakuru, where shops remained shut and roads deserted. Many schools in Nairobi did not reopen after the midterm break, fearing chaos.
In Nairobi's central business district, along Waiyaki Way, and in Mlolongo, rowdy youths clashed with police. There were reports that criminals had infiltrated the protests to mug peaceful demonstrators.
Carole Kariuki, the CEO of the Kenya Private Sector Alliance, said many businesses have borne the brunt of the weekly protests. While KEPSA appreciates the peaceful nature of the demonstrations, the destruction has been "very, very unfortunate." Kariuki noted that those who have joined the protests with the aim of destroying businesses are not helping a cause that should serve everyone.
Last week, at least two supermarkets and several other shops were looted as criminals took advantage of the confrontations. Similar attacks on businesses were reported in other parts of the country.
President Ruto has estimated the cost of destroyed properties during the protests at Sh2.4 billion. Traders expressed concerns that the standoff between the government and protesters risks pushing them out of business and called for urgent dialogue between the two sides.
Kariuki acknowledged that most businesses have been affected and said KEPSA is working to quantify the overall damages, promising to have a figure available soon.
Several foreign embassies have already issued safety advisories to their citizens, a move that is likely to affect the country’s tourism.
Some of the countries who have issued advisories include US, Ukraine , Poland and Russia.
Transport and businesses were yesterday paralysed in major towns amid massive destruction as Gen Zs defied President Ruto’s olive branch and staged protests across the country.
The #OccuppyEveryWhere demos, now in their third week, happened in 13 counties where the protesters barricaded roads, burnt vehicles and destroyed property.
The demos were witnessed in Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, Nyeri, Kisumu, Kajiado, Kilifi, Trans Nzoia, Homa Bay, Migori, Kitui, Kisii and Machakos.
The relentless youths, who initially opposed the Finance Bill, 2024, which has since been withdrawn by the President, are demanding sweeping reforms in government.
In Nairobi – the epicentre of the demos – the youths engaged riot police in running battles for the entire day.
The central business district was reduced to a theatre of war as tear gas and gunshots rent the air.
The anti-riot police officers engaged the protesters who attempted to push their way into the upper parts of the city. Shops were closed as businesspeople feared looting and destruction.
The protesters showed up with over 10 caskets in the CBD, some draped in the national flag.
Some went ahead to open the caskets as they clashed with the police who fired tear gas to disperse the youths.
Several protesters were arrested and bundled into the standby police lorries.
Parliament and the Supreme Court, which the youths last week invaded, were a no-go zone yesterday as the officers, armed to the teeth, erected barriers.
All routes leading to State House, which the demonstrators have been seeking to occupy, had layers of security personnel.
They were strategically stationed on all major routes leading there, with several others surrounding the entire premises.
Wayiaki Way was rendered a no-go zone for the better part of the day as police engaged youths trying to access the city centre.
The youths, mainly from Kangemi and Kawangware, blocked the roads with stones and burnt tyres, rendering the road impassable. Police responded with tear gas and bullets, but the relentless youths could not just go away.
The demos happened despite the President promising to engage the youths, even though X space, to listen to their grievances and proposals.
“I am open to having an engagement with the young people on a forum they are comfortable with. If they want me to engage them on X, I will be there. I want us to discuss taxation. I want us to discuss unemployment, corruption, all issues,” he said during an interview on Sunday.
In Mombasa, at least five vehicles were burnt and business premises broken into as the youths marched along the streets chanting anti-government slogans.
Businesses were at a standstill at Mwembe Tayari, the main stage of Mombasa county, where there are booking stations.
Nawala Centre, one of the busy business buildings, was closed as employees watched the protests.
Further looting was however thwarted after a group of men repulsed the suspected goons.
Police blocked protesters from storming Mombasa State House along Mama Ngina Drive.
Police trucks and vans blocked the road, with some officers patrolling on foot.
The officers rescued a man suspected to have shot three demonstrators. He was rescued by DCI officers and sped off to an unknown destination.
In Kisii, the central business district was a no-go zone for most of the day as looting mobs began targeting more shops to plunder.