KENYA’S PROTEST VICTIMS REMEMBERED

A memorial service has been held in Nairobi for the 39 people killed during nationwide demonstrations against tax hikes. Sunday’s event, in Uhuru Park, was also marked by anti-government chants and calls for the resignation of President William Ruto. He was forced to scrap his IMF-backed Finance Bill following weeks-long protests and subsequent deadly police crackdown that saw dozens injured and hundreds arrested.

Fittingly, the July 7th service coincided with Saba Saba Day. It remembers mass demonstrations in 1990, which forced late leader, Daniel arap Moi, to return the country to multi-party politics. What began as a peaceful assembly quickly escalated into a full-blown confrontation with government forces. The bravery displayed by ordinary citizens in the face of police brutality demonstrated an unyielding desire for change, giving the day an iconic status in Kenya for public defiance against state repression.

Analysts say that while the issues raised by current protesters and their predecessors remain largely the same, the process now is a bottom-up uprising by the youth. Will Kenya’s younger generation inspire others from across the continent to stand up against autocratic governments? Give us your insights in the comments.

Video Credits: @honngongolekisharo via tik-tok
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