NAIROBI – The ongoing protests against the government are losing momentum as incidents of theft and property damage by criminals increase. While demonstrations continue, they are not as intense as those witnessed last week.
Youths who have been vocal on social media, urging President William Ruto to resign, are now advising their peers to stop protesting and go home to avoid being associated with criminal activities.
“We said no stones, only phones. Those on the streets now are thugs. Go home before it gets dark,” said Osama Otero, a social media user who has been at the forefront of opposing the Kenya Kwanza government.
“Be cautious; there are thugs and thieves in the city pretending to be Gen Z protesters. If you see them, take photos…someone might recognize them,” wrote Billy Simani, known as Crazy Nairobian, on the social media platform X.
Gen Z youths started peaceful protests two weeks ago to oppose the approval of the 2024 Finance Bill. However, these protests have resulted in the deaths of 39 people. Business owners in Nairobi report that the demonstrations have caused over Sh3 billion in property damage.
Last week, President William Ruto announced that the losses incurred were approximately Sh2.4 billion. After the President conceded and withdrew the finance bill, the protests, which had spread across 36 counties, appear to be waning.
A survey by Kenyan Swahili Newspaper Taifa Leo in various parts of Nairobi’s city center earlier showed a calm atmosphere with many businesses closed and few people on the streets. However, roads in the Odeon area were filled with protesters demanding President Ruto’s resignation. Some were arrested in cat-and-mouse chases with the police.
Like other youths, activist Boniface Mwangi has urged Gen Z protesters to leave the streets, blaming the government for the increase in criminal activities, including theft, property damage, and attacks on protesters.
“Let’s go home. As usual, the government has allowed thugs to rule, steal, and destroy property again. These thugs are protected by the government while peaceful protesters are beaten, arrested, and even killed. It’s a shame things have turned out this way. If the government is going to act like thugs, we are withdrawing,” Mwangi wrote on his X account.
