East Africa's Deadly Cycle of Protests and State Repression

Strategic Insights -

The region of East Africa, particularly Kenya, has witnessed a surge in protests over the past decade, largely driven by young people's disillusionment with politics, economic struggles, and unfulfilled promises of democracy. Despite these justified grievances, the protests have been met with brutal force, resulting in countless deaths, injuries, and disappearances. Human Rights Watch's annual World Reports have documented the escalating state repression in Tanzania and Uganda, with Kenya being no exception. The country's record of violence against protesters, activists, and civilians is long-standing, dating back to the anti-colonial struggles and the movement for multi-party democracy in the 1990s.

Key Takeaways:

  • Kenya has witnessed a series of violent protests since 2017, resulting in at least 97 deaths, 1200 people killed in 2007-2008, and dozens of reported sexual assaults.
  • The state's response to protests has been characterized by brutality, with the police deploying tear gas, live ammunition, and even sexual assault against civilians, including minors.
  • The protests have been led by young people, driven by their disappointment with politics, the rising cost of living, and unfulfilled promises of democracy.
  • Irregular army and police groups have infiltrated the protests, fuelling chaos and violence, and are rarely held accountable for their actions.
  • The absence of clear evidence of police brutality has raised suspicions about the involvement of "unknown groups" within the security services, adding to the cycle of violence.
  • Activists and civil society leaders are considering new approaches to resistance, such as digital mobilization, community organizing, and building international alliances, in light of the predictable cycle of state violence.
  • The Kenyan government has been criticized for its response to protests, with President Ruto calling on the police to aim at the legs of demonstrators and perpetuating a cycle of 'shoot-to-kill.'
  • Kenya's national action plan for youth, peace, and security has focused mainly on tough security measures, neglecting aspects like prevention and protection.
  • The citizens of East Africa are demanding better leadership and an end to the bloodshed, prompting state actors to adopt new strategies to address the root causes of the protests.

Statistics:

  • At least 97 people died in Kenya following the 2017 elections.
  • Over 1200 people were killed in 2007-2008 due to police brutality.
  • Dozens of women and girls reported sexual assaults following protests in 2017.
  • The Gen Z protests in 2024 resulted in dozens of deaths, hundreds injured, and many people missing.
  • At least 30 people died, and many injuries occurred during Raila Odinga's call for demonstrations against the government in 2023.
  • At least 42 people were killed, and hundreds injured in June and July of this year, as Kenyans marked the anniversary of the Gen Z protests.

Sources:

  • Human Rights Watch's annual World Reports, 2019-present.
  • The Guardian, "Kenya protests: at least 30 killed as government uses force against demonstrators" (2023).
  • Al Jazeera, "Kenya's Gen Z protests turn violent" (2024).
  • Amnesty International, "Kenya: protests mark a year since police killings" (2024).
  • BBC News, "Kenya protests: officials killed, property damaged" (2024).