In brief
Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets on the anniversary of a deadly tax protest, demonstrating against economic hardship and police violence, as heavy police presence and tear gas marked the day.
In Nairobi and Mombasa, demonstrators waved flags and raised their voices against President William Ruto's administration, demanding accountability as they grapple with the fallout from last year’s contentious tax bill. The atmosphere was tense, with police deploying tear gas to disperse crowds who rallied against lack of jobs and public safety concerns."Many of us are being killed with no reason," stated Don Cliff Ochieng, a young security guard protesting for economic opportunities and against police brutality. The protests echoed a year ago when massive crowds clashed with authorities over a proposed finance bill that threatened to hike living costs. Social media played a key role in mobilizing the youth, demonstrating their strength in influencing political action. As tensions rise once more, the government urges restraint from both the police and protesters, but the public's need for change remains insistent.
