Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, witnessed renewed anti-government protests on Thursday, with police using tear gas to disperse demonstrators in the city center. The “Nane Nane” march, named after the August 8 date (Eight Eight in Swahili), follows weeks of similar pro-reform protests that have already led to significant concessions from President William Ruto’s government. Police arrested 174 people nationwide, including 126 in Nairobi, and raided the home of opposition financier Jimi Wanjigi. He recently swore in a reconstituted cabinet, which includes opposition members, in an attempt to reflect national unity and address protesters’ demands. The ongoing demonstrations, largely organized online without official leaders, have presented the biggest crisis of Ruto’s two-year presidency.

Source: The North Africa Journal August 09, 2024 13:31 UTC