Kenya President Pressured After Deadly Clashes

By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News

NAIROBI (Worthy News) – Kenya’s embattled President William Ruto, a Christian, faced mounting pressure to resign Friday after riots and clashes that killed more than 20 people.

In the latest incidents, Kenyan police fired teargas at dozens of protesters in Nairobi, the capital, and blocked off roads to the presidential palace on Thursday.

Crowds took to the streets again nationwide, even after President Ruto bowed to pressure to withdraw a tax hike bill.

Angry protesters demanded Ruto go further and step down during rallies in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and other centers.

However, turnout was well down from the height of the mass rallies sparked by the tax measures over the past week.

Ruto withdrew the legislation, including new taxes and hikes, on Wednesday after at least 23 people were killed in clashes at protests sparked by his plans.

Parliament was briefly stormed and set alight during the clashes this week. And as people woke up Friday, it became clear
that he is grappling with the most severe crisis of his two-year-old presidency.

The youth-led protest movement has increased from online condemnations of the tax hikes to mass rallies demanding a political overhaul in the African nation.

Latest Worthy News