Following the reinstatement of several ministers after the sacking, Kenyans are an angry lot. The effects of the protests led by the Gen Zs are putting pressure in the right places but it seems more pressure is required. There are fresh plans to put the government in check set for Tuesday, 23rd July.
The protesters are mobilized under “Tupatane Tuesday” and “Occupy JKIA” banners. They plan to occupy all the CBD’s key spots, including the busy Jomo Kenyatta International Airport, and bring the city to a standstill. Some of the places are The Mombasa-Nairobi highway from Mlolongo and the Expressway.
Popular X influencers Dennis Ombachi, a former Rugby 7s and Chef, and Honeyfarsafi keep the people updated on the government. They promised not to relent unless and until their issues were addressed fully.
DP Gachagua: Suspend Occupy JKIA Protests
The Deputy President, Rigathi Gachagua, has urged the protestors to suspend their planned mass action as they prepare for dialogue. He was speaking at the consecration of Bishop Karimi at Mwea Pentecostal Evangelical Fellowship in Kirinyaga on Saturday.
Despite government reassurances, nothing has changed, and the disquiet is getting louder by the day. The protests started with the punitive Finance Bill proposals and spiraled into a full movement demanding accountability from those in charge of the country. Billions have been lost, millions worth of property has been vandalized and looted and lives have been lost. Yet the President is adamant that he has everything under control and there’s no cause for worry.
Mounting Pressure
The upcoming Tuesday demonstrations are a plan to mount pressure on the President to move with speed. There has been a series of notable victories from previous protests. The last wave of demonstrations, that made news worldwide, resulted in President William Ruto backing down on the Finance Bill and sacked his entire cabinet.
The Kware bodies discovery is what is what tipped people further. Despite the resignation of the Inspector General of Police, Koome, the government is accused of not following the Constitution to the letter, rampant corruption, and general incompetence affecting service delivery to its citizens.
Deputy IG Warning
The Deputy Inspector General of Police, Douglas Kanja has issued a stern warning against those planning to join the #OccupyJKIA protests. According to him, JKIA falls under protected areas, and demonstrations are prohibited in such places. He quoted The Protected Area Cap 204 which prevents entry of unauthorised persons in the protected areas.
“We urge all individuals participating in demonstrations to respect these legal provisions and refrain from attempting to enter or interfere with protected areas,” part of his written statement read.
President Ruto In Limbo
The President has however spoken in a different tone this time round. Attending a church service together with Kenya Kwanza leaders in Bomet, he sent a stern warning to the protesting Gen Z youth. He said the youth are only interested in anarchy and not dialogue as they run away every time he tries to approach them with an offer yet they continue with protests, destroying the economy and image of the country. He continued pointing fingers at foreign powers alleging that they were financing protesters intending to cause anarchy and overturn his administration.
We are yet to hear more as things continue unfolding. As the push and pull continues, the President is back on the drawing board. He is also yet to announce the final list of cabinet ministers. The protesters are also gearing up for another round of fresh running battles with police tomorrow, Tuesday, 23rd July as they seek to get heard in their quest for better governance.
