Kenya Protest – From Finance Bill to a dangerous demand
Kenyans have migrated from their demand for an end to draconian tax increase, which the legislature tagged Finance Bill to demanding the resignation of the President, William Ruto.
The latest demand is considered a no-go-area for African leaders. Will Kenyans change the status quo with their protest remains to be seen in the coming weeks and months.
What initially began as a peaceful protest that would fizzle out quickly became a massive protest that now threaten the seat of power of the country.
Just few days after sending Kenyan police to Haiti to quell violence, the government of Kenya is faced with a greater violence back home.
The protest has led to the death of more than 20 Kenyans, and detention of hundreds of protesters. The protest has shown no sign of ending.
The killings by the police deeply angered the protesters, who have sworn to continue the protest in respect of the dead.
President of Kenya waited a long time before rescinding the controversial Finance Bill that would increase tax in the country to meet up the servicing of the national debt.
The President made a national address declaring that he has given up on the bill and would hold talks with the people of Kenya. His speech was expected to douse the protest, instead, the protesters changed gear of acceleration.
There is issue of doubt, with protesters saying the bill will be reintroduced after the President succeeded in subtly quelling the protest with his national address.
The protest also blamed the President for addressing the country late, just after hundreds have been detained and almost two dozens killed by the police.
The concession by the President emboldened the the protesters, who have now imbued the belief that their demands can be realised if they continue on their path of determination.
Protest is still raging in Nairobi, with the police intensifying their forceful approach. Live bullets, and hot water cannon have been deployed. Death toll is expected to rise by the end of today.
The President who recently was in Russia and spoke exclusively to RT media where he emphasised on the need of approaching dialogue when there is political conundrum failed to initially embrace what he preached.
His sending of Kenyan police to Haiti to end violence also highlights inability to manage violence, if police back home could slaughter peaceful protesters, what then becomes of innocent citizens in Haiti.
The latest demand for his resignation is where the protesters resolve would be tested.
The President doesn’t look like one that would resign, and if the protesters continue to stick with their demand, it could lead to dangerous point where deaths will brag.
It is still unclear if the President would approach the protest leaders to reach a compromise.
He has spoken of his willingness to sit down on a roundtable but have not made his specifics clear.
The protesters vandalised the national assembly, setting ablaze a part of the building. They have said no negotiation with the government, but the gaps can be bridged if commitment is shown.
