Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
05 April 2023 | 21:20 CAT

Photo: EPA-EFE / Daniel Irungu

On Sunday, Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga said he was suspending anti-government protests and was ready for talks after an appeal from President William Ruto. However, he warned that demonstrations could restart in days.

Thousands have joined three marches over the past two weeks against high living costs and alleged fraud in last year’s vote. All have been marred by violence, and a fourth rally was scheduled for Monday.

Speaking to Radio Islam International Professor of History and International Relations at the United States International University (USIU) in Nairobi, Macharia Munene argues that while the tensions have risen due to the high cost of living, the main reason is a power struggle and Raila Odinga wants power.

“The economy is not doing very well and the President and his team have sometimes made some blunders here and there. However, Odinga’s way of operating is to put pressure on the government by creating a sense of ungoverned ability,” says Munene.

Ruto’s government has scrapped subsidies on fuel, maize, and electricity.

The instability in Kenya has promoted international concern, with the United States and the United Kingdom, among other foreign missions, calling for restraint.

The African Union has also appealed for a peaceful end to the chaos that saw riot police firing tear gas water cannons at protesters and places of worship, properties, businesses and cars set aflame.

Meanwhile, there have been more than 20 attacks and violations against journalists since the start of the protests, according to the Kenya Media Sector Working Group. The Group said state actors were behind a “significant proportion” of the attacks.

Ruto said he did not believe journalists were targeted but that some had been caught in the fray.