As anti-finance bill protests enter their third week, Kenyan authorities have intensified efforts to apprehend individuals involved in the demonstrations. The police have released photos of protesters accused of participating in “unlawful activities.”
“The individuals whose images/photos appear below are wanted by the police for their unlawful activities during the anti-finance bill demonstrations,” stated the police on X (formerly Twitter). Authorities have urged the identified protesters to surrender at the nearest police station for “further police action.”
In response, some Kenyans on X criticized the police for allegedly ignoring instances of officers firing live bullets at protesters and hiring goons to disrupt the demonstrations. One user, @Arega_michael, queried, “What about the goons? Or those ones you’re already in touch?” Another netizen, @cullenndugu, asked, “What about the killer cops?”
For several weeks, Kenyan youth have taken to the streets, disrupting commercial activities nationwide in opposition to the Finance Bill, which imposes a tax on various commodities. The protests reached a boiling point last Wednesday when President William Ruto withdrew the bill after violent clashes in which police fired live rounds at protesters.
Despite the bill’s withdrawal, the demonstrations have not abated. Protesters continue to demand President Ruto’s resignation, accusing his administration of heavy-handed tactics. On Tuesday, hundreds of youths carrying coffins marched through Nairobi in a #RutoMustGo protest, defying police crackdowns. Protests also erupted in Mombasa, Kisii, Kisumu, Migori-Rongo, and other regions.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported that 39 people have been killed by police between June 18 and July 1, with 361 injured and 32 cases of enforced disappearances. These figures starkly contrast with President Ruto’s claims. In a Sunday interview, he acknowledged 19 deaths during the protests, denying personal responsibility for the violence.
“I have no blood on my hands,” President Ruto asserted. “Nineteen people are dead to the record that I have from security agencies. Very unfortunate. As a democracy, that should not be part of our conversation.”
The government’s pursuit of demonstrators, coupled with mounting casualties, underscores the escalating tension in Kenya. The Finance Bill protests reflect broader discontent with economic policies and governance, with calls for accountability and justice growing louder amidst the ongoing unrest.
