Kenya’s Youths Call For ‘Mother Of All Protests’

Kenya’s youth protesters returned to the streets for an eighth week of demonstrations on Thursday, August 8, as President William Ruto swore in a new cabinet.

Posters widely posted on social media called for the “mother of all protests,” known as the Nane Nane March after the Swahili translation of the day’s date, August 8.

“We shall march for our rights and tomorrow, we shall liberate this country,” Kasmuel McOure, one of the young protesters, told reporters.

On Thursday, police sprayed tear gas at demonstrators in Nairobi’s city centre, as many businesses remained shuttered.

Another notable protester, Shad Khali, hailed Thursday the country’s third liberation, describing it as the “climax of one and a half months of Kenyans demanding accountability and governance by the rule of law” on his X account.

Police warned on Thursday that criminals intended to infiltrate the protests and conduct crimes, and promised to deploy appropriate security staff.

Acting Police Chief Gilbert Masengeli encouraged the public “to take extra precautions while in crowded areas that are likely to turn riotous.”

President Ruto collapsed his government last month due to public pressure, but reappointed almost half of the ministers, sparking new fury. Only one of the 20 names provided by Kenya’s leader to parliament for vetting was rejected, and that included several opposition figures.

“I am convinced that this moment to build a strong team of rivals. With the formation of this broad-based government that brings together former political rivals into one selfless patriotic team, we will unlock the potential of our country that has long been denied us by factional and sectarian competition,” he said at State House Nairobi.

The demonstrations began about two months ago, with primarily young Kenyans organising on social media against a Finance Bill that has since been withdrawn. They persisted as more citizens joined a mostly leaderless protest over corruption, high living costs, and police violence.

According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, at least 61 people have been killed in rallies around the country, with police allegedly using excessive force and live rounds on primarily peaceful protesters.

A Gentle Reminder: Every obstacle is a stepping stone, every morning; a chance to go again, and those little steps take you closer to your dream.

Nnamdi Okoli