insert_link Africa Kenyan police open fire on Saba Saba protesters, 11 killed nationwide Nairobi and at least three other regions in Kenya were rocked by violent clashes on Monday as demonstrators marked the 35th anniversary of the historic Saba Saba (Seven Seven) pro-democracy protests. What began as a peaceful commemoration evolved into bloodshed, with Kenyan police deploying tear gas, water cannons, and reportedly live ammunition to disperse crowds. Authorities have confirmed 11 deaths nationwide and numerous injuries among both civilians and officers. […] today8 July, 2025
insert_link Africa How the Kenyan Gen Z protests ushered in a new way of demanding accountability and transparency By Esther Musembi, via bird story agency A pink-coloured water canon is aimed at the protestors who are shouting ‘haki yetu, haki yetu’ (our right! our right!). Quickly dispersed by the high-pressure water and teargas, one group starts to sing the Kenya National anthem waving small Kenyan flags. The images are soon trending across most social media platforms and before the day is out, make headlines […] today25 July, 2024
insert_link Africa Kenyans Gather for Concert in Nairobi to Honor Protest Victims Hundreds of Kenyans attended a concert in the nation's capital, Nairobi, on Sunday, chanting slogans and dancing to remember more than three dozen people killed in recent anti-government protests according to a report by Reuters. The demonstrations, which began on June 18, sought to halt planned tax hikes and call for President William Ruto's resignation. Activist Boniface Mwangi, present at the event, expressed mixed emotions adding that the government is […] today8 July, 2024
insert_link Africa The IMF is failing countries like Kenya: why, and what can be done about it By Danny Bradlow, University of Pretoria The recent Kenyan protests are a warning that the International Monetary Fund (IMF) is failing. The public does not think it is helping its member countries manage their economic and financial problems, which are being exacerbated by a rapidly changing global political economy. To be sure, the IMF is not the only cause of Kenya’s problems with raising […] today3 July, 2024
insert_link Africa Unrest in Kenya Challenges IMF Targets and Borrowing Costs Violent unrest that compelled Kenya's president to withdraw support for a finance bill has cast uncertainty over the country's ability to meet International Monetary Fund targets and could increase borrowing costs, according to investors and analysts. The bill, which proposed taxes on bread, vegetable oil, sugar, mobile-money transfers, and certain imports, aimed to generate US$2.68 billion, equivalent to 3% of GDP, in additional revenue, as noted by Morgan Stanley's, Neville […] today1 July, 2024
insert_link Africa Kenyan police used teargas on dozens of protesters in Nairobi Kenyan police used teargas on dozens of protesters in Nairobi and blocked roads to the presidential palace on Thursday as nationwide demonstrations continued, despite the president's decision to withdraw a tax hike bill. Reuters reports that protesters in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and other cities called for President William Ruto to resign. However, the turnout was lower compared to the peak of the mass rallies triggered by the tax measures over […] today28 June, 2024
insert_link Africa Demonstrators in Kenya prepare to resume protests Protestors in Kenya are preparing to resume demonstrations despite President Ruto declining to sign the finance bill into law. They aim to 'occupy State House,' insisting only Ruto's resignation will satisfy them. Isabel Nakirya reports. Analysts said that while the finance bill initially triggered the protests, they have now expanded to reflect broad dissatisfaction with the government. Protesters in Nairobi told Al Jazeera they are demanding the president's resignation. […] today27 June, 2024
insert_link Uncategorized Kenyan President Withdraws Tax Hikes Amid Protests Kenyan President William Ruto withdrew planned tax hikes on Wednesday, succumbing to pressure from protesters who stormed parliament, launched nationwide demonstrations, and threatened further action this week, reports Reuters. This move is seen as a significant victory for the week-old, youth-led protest movement, which evolved from online condemnations of the tax increases into mass rallies demanding a political overhaul. This marks the most serious crisis of Ruto's two-year presidency. today27 June, 2024
insert_link Africa Death toll rises in Kenya tax hike protests Protesters in Kenya have been shot dead and fires started inside parliament after politicians voted in favour of a controversial tax bill. The Kenya Medical Association said at least 13 people had been killed and dozens more injured. Following reports that Namibians were near Kenya’s Parliament at the time of the incident, we spoke to the Executive Director of the Ministry of International Relations and Cooperation, Penda Naanda. Kenya is […] today26 June, 2024