Kenya braces for return of Gen Z protests – how did they begin?
Summary
Thousands of young people in Kenya are preparing to protest again on the second anniversary of the Gen Z protests, which began in 2024 over a tax bill and grew to include issues like unemployment and government corruption. The protests have led to violent government crackdowns, with over 120 people killed since the movement started.Key Facts
- The Gen Z protests in Kenya began in 2024 against a tax bill intended to raise $2.7 billion.
- Protesters also oppose high living costs, unemployment, corruption, and economic inequality.
- During the biggest protests, demonstrators stormed and burned part of the Kenyan parliament.
- President William Ruto was pressured to send the tax bill back for changes but has not resolved underlying issues.
- The protests are organized mainly through social media by young people born in the late 1990s to early 2010s.
- Police crackdowns have killed more than 120 protesters and injured hundreds since 2024.
- The protests have spread to major cities including Nairobi, with heavy police presence expected again.
- The movement is leaderless and decentralized, similar to other Gen Z protests worldwide linked to demands for more democracy and less inequality.
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