Activists behind Kenya’s anti-government protests are rethinking their strategy after demonstrations on Tuesday were marred by violence and looting that they fear could undermine the movement and its efforts to push President William Ruto to resign.
The activists say the violence was the work of “goons” hired by politicians to either discredit legitimate demonstrators or advance their own agendas. Some called on social media for the next planned demonstration today not to go ahead.
“It seems the state has realised that the only way to counter this movement is by using goons to incite violence, break into people’s property, loot and tarnish our cause,” Ojango Omondi, an activist in the capital Nairobi, told Reuters.
“It’s time to go back to the drawing board and strategise on how best to overcome this violence and keep our protests focused on their true objectives.”
Kenya’s government spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. In a statement on Tuesday, Interior Minister Kithure Kindike blamed violence on “hordes of marauding criminal gangs” and said there was an attempt to “politicise crime”.
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The initial protests last month against proposed tax hikes were overwhelmingly peaceful, although the police fired tear gas and water cannon at demonstrators.
The mobilisation of Kenyans from across ethnic lines around common economic demands marked a break with previous protest movements that have typically been organised by political figures with ethnic grievances often at the fore.
The protests became violent as some demonstrators briefly stormed parliament last week and the police opened fire, killing dozens.
The next day, Ruto withdrew the tax increases. But protesters vowed to carry on, issuing a range of demands, from anti-corruption measures to Ruto’s resignation.
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Almost from the outset, protests on Tuesday were marked by violence. Stone-throwing young men clashed with police in Nairobi and other towns. Looters stormed businesses, leading shop owners to arm themselves with sticks and clubs. — Reuters
