Breaking News: Eighth Week of Protests in Kenya Amid New Cabinet Swearing-In

 

On Thursday, August 8, young protesters in Kenya took to the streets of Nairobi for the eighth consecutive week of demonstrations, coinciding with the swearing-in of a new cabinet by President William Ruto. The day, dubbed the "Nane Nane March" after the Swahili translation of the date, saw widespread calls for action on social media, with protesters demanding changes in governance and accountability.

The demonstrations turned tense as police deployed tear gas to disperse the crowds in Nairobi’s city center, where many businesses remained shuttered. Kasmuel McOure, a leading voice among the protesters, declared, “We shall march for our rights and tomorrow, we shall liberate this country,” reflecting the fervent spirit of the ongoing movement.

Shad Khali, another prominent figure in the protests, described the day's events as the “third liberation of the country,” emphasizing the culmination of over a month of protests demanding accountability and adherence to the rule of law. Khali shared his views on X, formerly known as Twitter, highlighting the significant public push for reform.

In response to concerns about security, police warned that criminals might attempt to infiltrate the protests to commit unlawful acts. Acting Police Head Gilbert Masengeli advised the public to exercise caution in crowded areas that could become chaotic, assuring that adequate security measures would be in place.

President Ruto's recent cabinet reshuffle, which followed public pressure, included reappointments of several ministers, sparking renewed outrage. Although lawmakers approved 19 out of 20 nominees submitted for vetting, Ruto defended his choices, asserting that the new cabinet, which includes former political rivals, aims to foster unity and unlock the country’s potential.

The protests, which began nearly two months ago in opposition to a now-withdrawn Finance Bill, have expanded to address broader issues such as corruption, the high cost of living, and police brutality. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 61 people have lost their lives in the unrest, with accusations of excessive force and the use of live ammunition by police against mostly peaceful protesters.