The incumbent government in Kenya has promised to align its governance policies with the urgent demands of protestors.
The ongoing protests were triggered by the unexplained death in detention of Albert Ojwang, a 31-year-old blogger and teacher, earlier this month.
Ojwang’s death occurred at a time Kenyans were commemorating last year’s youth-led demonstrations against tax rises which forced the government to shelve its controversial Finance bill which the youth suspected would complicate standard of living.
“It is extremely important that the young people mark June 25th because they lost people who look like them, who speak like them … who are fighting for good governance,” said Angel Mbuthia, chair of the youth league for the opposition Jubilee Party.
In Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisii, Nakuru, Nyeri, and Kitengela, peaceful protests quickly escalated into violent confrontations with police.
Since Wednesday, more than 400 people have been injured including protesters, police and journalists.
Deputy President Kithure Kindiki addressed the public gathered in Mitaboni, Kathiani Constituency in Machakos County on Monday saying that the demands of protestors were legitimate.
He noted that the Youth were making genuine concerns about unemployment, inequality, and the burden of taxation.
“We have listened to our young people, and the grievances are valid. We are taking that input very seriously and will reform our governance to align it with the demands for accountability and transparency, fight corruption, and make our country better,” Kindiki said.
However, Kindiki condemned the violence, destruction, and criminal acts that marked last week’s demonstrations, warning that the government will not allow the country to descend into lawlessness.