Despite a surge in protests incited by Azimio leader Raila Odinga, the Kenyan government has mandated schools to resume from Thursday onwards. This directive comes amidst a backdrop of public discontent over the high cost of living, which has seen major cities including Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu disrupted by protests.
In a joint statement, the Interior and Education ministries assured that adequate security measures will be implemented to ensure learner safety. Interior CS Kithure Kindiki and his Education counterpart Ezekiel Machogu pledged that comprehensive evaluations of the present security situation have paved the way for this decision.
However, the leader of the Azimio movement, Odinga, is determined to continue with planned protests on Thursday, despite the potential impact on education. He told the Daily Nation, “We will continue with our peaceful demonstrations as planned. But we will stop at 5pm today and resume tomorrow (Thursday) morning”.
Odinga also confirmed that his bodyguard Maurice Ogeta has been released by police, and he demanded the release of nine Azimio leaders who were apprehended during Wednesday’s protests. Notable among the detained are Embakasi East MP Babu Owino and Kilifi Senator Stewart Madzayo.
A wave of arrests was also experienced by Azimio supporters across Nairobi, Mombasa, Nakuru, and other towns as police confronted defiant protestors with tear gas. This follows a fortnight of violent confrontations which have resulted in the loss of multiple lives.
The opposition remains steadfast, pledging to stage three consecutive days of protests against President William Ruto’s administration. This persistence has drawn concern from the international community, who are advocating for a diplomatic solution to the crisis.
Public order was disrupted in Nairobi, Mombasa and Kisumu on Wednesday as protestor groups, primarily composed of young men, set tyres on fire and engaged with police forces. Meanwhile, business offices in the capital’s district were largely closed.
These protests mark the third instance this month where Odinga has rallied against a government he deems illegitimate, holding it accountable for the prevailing cost-of-living crisis.
In response, the government accused the opposition of hindering efforts to ameliorate Kenya’s financial situation. Foreign Minister Alfred Mutua denounced the demonstrations as actions of “economic saboteurs disguised as protests against the cost of living”.
Public opinion is divided on the protests, with Kenyans grappling with high inflation and employment challenges. Ruto, who ascended to power last August after a narrow election victory over Odinga, took office amidst a backdrop of debt and soaring inflation. Despite his campaign promises to reduce prices, he has been criticised for implementing tax increases.
The recent violence in demonstrations has attracted international attention, with 13 western nations issuing a joint statement urging peaceful resolution. The Kenya Private Sector Alliance estimates that each day of protest costs the economy an average of three billion shillings ($21.8 million).
Despite the ongoing unrest, the government remains resolute in ensuring order, cautioning against any acts of violence. However, the escalating tensions and violence underscore the urgent need for dialogue and compromise between the government and opposition forces to restore peace and economic stability in the country.
Image Credit: AP Photo/Brian Inganga
