The anti-government protests that have rocked most parts of the country are nothing less than what is currently experienced in the neighborhood country - Uganda.
Kenyan protestors, a majority of whom are young, have utilized social media platforms to mobilise colleagues to stage demos against the government's way of governing the country. The youth-led protests have rallied behind pushing the government to make changes in the government structure and resuscitate the economy.
Protestors have organized primarily around strategic locations like the Parliament, and Judiciary and even threatened to storm Jomo Kenyatta International Airport in Tuesday, July 23 protests.
The "Occupy Everywhere" protests involved peaceful chanting and other symbolic acts. However, when faced with police resistance, some groups resorted to more aggressive tactics, including attempting to storm the Parliament building for the second time.
This is however not different from what is ongoing in Yoweri Museveni's Uganda.
On Tuesday July 23, young Ugandan protestors took to the streets to protest against what they said were rampant corruption and human rights abuses by the state.
The military was on Tuesday deployed on the streets of Kampala to deter planned anti-corruption protests. Soldiers and police are reported to have blocked all the roads leading to parliament.
Before these protests, police had banned all demonstrations in the capital. Additionally, the Ugandan head of state, other than warning in a televised broadcast, also issued a statement on Monday evening warning the protestors against looting or destruction of property.
According to Museveni, protesters would be "playing with fire" if they press ahead with plans to stage an anti-corruption march to the Uganda parliament.
"What rights do you have to seek to generate individual chaotic behavior?" Museveni posed while stressing the need to create a peaceful environment for sustainable economic growth.
It is reported that the youths in Uganda, just like in Kenya, have been organizing the march on social media to push for some of their demands.
Robert Kyagulanyi Ssentamu alias Bobi Wine, who has been one of the harsh critics of the government took to his social media on Monday claiming that police officers had mounted a crackdown on leaders and protestors who were against the government ideologies.
"Several leaders have been violently arrested. They have now blocked the roads leading to the office. They are scared of the people. When we lose our fear for them, they will lose their power over us," said Bobi Wine, National Unity Platform leader.
Historical Context
In Uganda, political instability is primarily triggered by both political and cultural tensions. In 2009 the government barred the Buganda King, Ronald Muwenda Mutebi, from visiting certain areas, which ignited violent protests in most parts of the country.
Similarly, the 2020 Kampala Riots were instigated by the arrest of opposition leader Bobi Wine, in a deep political discontent and demands for democratic reforms. This has followed a series of arrests meted on leaders.
The recent protests in Kenya were economically driven. The controversial Finance Bill 2024, proposing significant tax hikes, was the sole purpose. The youth protested against the increased financial burden.
The participants in Uganda's demonstrations have largely been organized groups with strong ties to cultural institutions or political movements, however, what is currently experienced are young protestors devoid of any tribal inclinations.
In Kenya, it is reported that the participants are diverse, including a wide range of citizens affected by the proposed tax hikes. The "Occupy Parliament" protests saw participation from various social strata, including young professionals, activists, and ordinary citizens united by economic grievances.
