Kenyan police deployed tear gas to disperse small groups of anti-government protesters in Nairobi on Thursday as President William Ruto’s new cabinet was sworn in.
The protests, which have evolved from anti-tax demonstrations into broader demands for better governance and the president’s resignation, caused significant disruption in the capital.
Businesses in Nairobi were closed, and public transport was paralyzed as police set up roadblocks to prevent protesters from entering the central business district. The demonstrations continued months of unrest that have led to heightened tensions in the country.
President Ruto reshuffled his cabinet, including senior opposition figures, in response to the growing public discontent to address the widespread dissatisfaction.
The new cabinet, which was sworn in amid heavy security at State House, includes four opposition appointees, notably in the influential finance and energy ministries.
During the swearing-in ceremony, Ruto emphasized that the new cabinet “cannot and must not fail Kenyans,” describing it as an “alliance of rivals” to overcome the nation’s historical factionalism. However, the selection of several ministers from his previous cabinet has fueled further protests from those demanding a complete overhaul of the political elite.
Protests, dubbed the “Nane Nane March” (Swahili for “8 August March”), were significantly smaller compared to previous demonstrations that had seen more intense clashes, including an incident where parliament was set ablaze.
Riot police patrolled the city, and only a few dozen demonstrators gathered, compared to the larger crowds seen in earlier protests.
Major towns and cities across Kenya remained calm, including opposition stronghold Kisumu and President Ruto’s hometown, Eldoret. Acting police chief Gilbert Masengeli had warned of potential infiltration by “criminals” and advised the public to avoid sensitive areas such as the international airport and State House.
Since the protests began in June, over 50 people have died, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights. Former police chief Japhet Koome, who faced criticism for handling the demonstrations, resigned last month, but his departure did not quell calls for justice from protesters.
President Ruto, who promised to improve the lives of Kenya’s poor and young people, known as “hustlers,” is now grappling with the challenge of addressing the cost-of-living crisis while meeting international debt obligations.
