President Ruto Attends Funeral as Protests Erupt Across Kenya

NAIROBI – While demonstrations led by young Kenyans unfolded in major cities across the country on Wednesday, President William Ruto was in Kilifi County attending the funeral of the father of Governor Gideon Mung’aro. The protests, marking the first anniversary of demonstrations held on June 25, 2024, saw clashes between protestors and police in Nairobi and several other urban centers.

Protests Erupt in Multiple Cities

The demonstrations, largely organized by Gen Z activists, took place in Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD), Kitengela, Kisii, Nyeri, and along parts of Thika Road. Reports indicate that police used tear gas and engaged in running battles with protestors in attempts to disperse the gatherings. The specific grievances driving the protests were not immediately clear, though the anniversary of the June 2024 demonstrations suggests a continuation of concerns regarding governance and economic issues.

President Ruto's Absence and Allies' Presence

President Ruto's decision to attend the funeral in Kilifi County coincided with the nationwide protests. He was accompanied by Senate Speaker Amason Kingi and former Prime Minister Raila Odinga, the latter now considered a key figure in what has been described as a broad-based government arrangement. Odinga's presence alongside Ruto underscores the shifting political landscape in Kenya.

Ruto Defends Police Response

Prior to the protests, on Tuesday, President Ruto publicly defended the police force, urging them to take decisive action against what he termed "civil disobedience." This statement came despite warnings from human rights organizations and diplomatic envoys against the use of excessive force in managing demonstrations. The President's stance raises concerns about potential limitations on freedom of assembly and expression.

Historical and Political Context

Kenya has a history of protests often sparked by economic hardship, political grievances, and perceived government corruption. The June 25, 2024, demonstrations, whose anniversary these current protests commemorate, were significant for their scale and the active participation of young Kenyans. The current protests reflect ongoing societal tensions and the youth's desire for greater accountability from their leaders. The inclusion of Raila Odinga, a long-time opposition leader, in Ruto's government has been a controversial move, with some seeing it as a step towards national unity while others view it as a betrayal of opposition principles.

Expert Analysis

"The simultaneous occurrence of nationwide protests and the President's absence highlights a disconnect between the government and the concerns of its citizens, particularly the younger generation," says Dr. Maria Opondo, a political analyst at the Institute for Development Studies at the University of Nairobi. "The government's response to these protests will be crucial in determining the future of civil liberties and political discourse in Kenya. The emphasis on decisive action by the police, as expressed by the President, risks further alienating the youth and escalating tensions."

Furthermore, according to Mr. Kamau Maina, a human rights lawyer based in Nairobi, "The President's defense of the police prior to the protests is deeply concerning. International human rights standards require law enforcement to exercise restraint and use force only when strictly necessary and proportionate. The government must ensure that police actions are in line with these standards and that any allegations of excessive force are thoroughly investigated."

Looking Ahead

The events of Wednesday underscore the complex political and social dynamics in Kenya. The government faces the challenge of addressing the underlying grievances driving the protests while upholding the rule of law and protecting citizens' rights to peaceful assembly and expression. The coming days will be crucial in determining whether the government can effectively engage with the protestors and address their concerns in a constructive manner.