Two years ago, Gen-Z protests marked a new era for Kenyan politics, but led to dozens of deaths, and devastated families are unimpressed with government promises of compensation. Memorial protests are planned on Thursday to mark two years since the country ’ s biggest show of dissent, when Kenyans stormed parliament to protest new taxes amid wider anger over corruption. The announcement is expected to have broad implications in the days ahead.

Background

The current development is the latest chapter in a longer and complex story.

It was seen as a watershed moment, as young Kenyans joined together to demand accountability without regard for traditional ethnic dividing lines.

People attend a demonstration against Kenya ’ s proposed finance bill in Nairobi, Kenya on June 25, 2024.

Observers have also noted that — Reuters But it came at a price: 62 people died throughout weeks of protests in June and July 2024, and another 65 died during anniversary protests in the same period the following year, according to the Independent Police Oversight Authority ( IPOA).

Analysis

The response from officials, analysts, and stakeholders has been swift and pointed.

After showing little remorse for the killings, President William Ruto last week announced 2 billion shillings ( $ 15.5 million) to compensate 1,100 people affected by violent protests between 2017 and 2025.

In a related development, a photo of Kenyan President William Ruto from September 5, 2022.

What has become increasingly clear is that he just wants us to shut up because of the cash that he ’ s giving us — the peanuts, ” said Gillian Munyao, whose son, Rex Masai, 29, was among the first to die in the June 2024 protests.

National Impact

Beyond the immediate headlines, this development could reshape how the issue is handled.

‘ Smokescreen ’ Lawyer Nick Karanja, who represents several victims ignored by the compensation panel, described the procedure as a “ smokescreen ”.

According to those with knowledge of the situation, “ It ’ s been a whole year … very, very hard, ” she told AFP, adding that she sometimes sees the policeman who killed her son near the informal settlement outside Nairobi where she lives.

According to those with knowledge of the situation, kenyan police continue to kill people during bouts of unrest with apparent impunity, with the government usually dismissing victims as rioters.

Notably, a protester chants anti-government slogans on a road blocked with stones to prevent traffic from passing during a transport strike in Nairobi, Kenya.

As the story continues to develop, protests are still coming, ” he advised AFP.

What Happens Next

What is clear is that this story is not yet over. The coming days and weeks will likely bring additional developments — and additional clarity — on a situation that has already captured significant national attention.