‘Nane Nane’: Protesters gear up for fresh round of demos

A fresh round of anti-government protests is expected in several parts of the country on Thursday as Kenyans continue to picket against President William Ruto’s administration.

Dubbed the ‘Nane Nane March’ in line with the August 8 date, the protest is a continuation of last month and June’s demos, which began over increased taxation proposed in the now-scrapped Finance Bill 2024 but have since morphed into resistance against Ruto’s administration.

Heavy police deployment was seen in key parts of Nairobi, with roads leading to the State House barricaded.

Protesters, mostly the youth, have been picketing against what they describe as the government's incompetence, corruption and wastage of public resources.

The demos have seen President Ruto dissolve his Cabinet and re-nominate many of the members back in a new team that comprises opposition politicians.

A section of Kenyans have, however, expressed displeasure with the move, terming it ‘diversionary tactics’ as others call for the President to resign.

Ahead of Thursday’s planned demos, police have warned of a possible infiltration by hired goons.

“The initial demonstrations held in June were peaceful but subsequent protests morphed into riots, with looters destroying and stealing property,” Acting Police Inspector General Gilbert Masengeli told the press on Wednesday.

“Our intelligence reports indicate that there are security threats to the country with criminals planning to infiltrate tomorrow's demonstrations and commit further crimes. In anticipation, we have ensured adequate deployment of personnel."

Previously, the police have been under criticism for using excessive force against unarmed protesters.

The last round of demos left over 20 people killed, according to figures by the state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, although activists have expressed concern that the numbers are much higher.