Youth protesters clash with police in Nairobi ahead of Katiba day

However, their peaceful march was abruptly interrupted when several leaders were arrested by the police, cutting the demonstration short.

Before the arrests, the protesters held a press briefing outlining their plans for the Tuesday protests. This move comes as many Kenyans believed the wave of anti-government demonstrations had waned following the less popular Nanenane protests.

Now, Katiba Day appears to have rekindled the spirit of resistance that had diminished since the unsuccessful Nanenane demonstrations on August 8th.

Booker Omolo, Chairman of the People’s Assembly, stated, “Tomorrow, August 27th, Katiba Day will not just be a day of commemoration but a day of mass action. We demand President William Ruto’s immediate resignation.”

Kasmuel Mcoure, spokesperson for the People’s Assembly, added, “We invite you tomorrow, as Katiba turns 14, to reflect on whether the Constitution has been respected.”

Generation Z, the People’s Assembly, and 54 other revolutionary organizations will host protests across the country, continuing their demand for President Ruto’s resignation.

They cite his failure to uphold the Constitution and address critical issues such as corruption, youth unemployment, and the high cost of living.

Activist Wanjira Wanjiru commented, “We cannot continue living in an active crime scene and do nothing about it. We cannot stand idly by as corruption and injustice run rampant.”

Protesters are also calling for justice for those killed, injured, or disappeared during previous anti-government protests. Cases of forced abductions and disappearances continue to rise.

Kasmuel Mcoure further stated, “We demand the release of the Kitengela 3, and we ask you to reflect tomorrow on whether the Constitution has been respected.”

Criticizing the broad-based government as unconstitutional and politically motivated, protesters plan to initiate a signature collection drive for a referendum aimed at amending the Constitution, which they are calling the “People’s Assembly Referendum.”

Prof. Fred Ogolla, an activist, questioned, “Those telling us to give Ruto more time, tell us—more time to do what? He knows what we want.”

Booker Omolo added, “The broad-based government is just a strategy for President Ruto to win the 2027 election.”

Despite a recent slowdown in anti-government protests, a section of the youth remains defiant, calling for a total shutdown on Katiba Day. Only time will tell if the protests will gain traction.