Kenyan Concert Honors Protest Victims as Calls for Change Echo Nationwide

Hundreds of Kenyans gathered at a concert in Nairobi to honor the memory of the over three dozen individuals who lost their lives during recent anti-government demonstrations. The protests, which commenced on June 18, aimed at opposing planned tax increases and calling for the resignation of President William Ruto, resulted in the deaths of at least 39 people.

During the event, activist Boniface Mwangi acknowledged that the government is now paying attention, but expressed sorrow over the casualties suffered for this cause. Holding signs with messages like “RIP Comrades” and “We pledge to persevere,” the youth in attendance vocally demanded Ruto’s resignation.

In response to the public outcry, Ruto retracted the finance bill that would have imposed additional taxes, deemed likely to exacerbate the already burdensome cost of living in Kenya. Furthermore, he proposed implementing new austerity measures on Friday, such as reducing his advisory team and dissolving 47 state agencies, in order to address the budget deficit resulting from the withdrawal of the tax proposals.

This concert coincided with Saba Saba Day on July 7, an anniversary that marks the beginning of similar protests in 1990, which ultimately led to the restoration of multi-party politics in Kenya after pressure on the government of former leader Daniel Arap Moi.