A year ago, one of the most unique and rare events in Kenyan history took place, because it was led almost exclusively by young people under the age of 30 and because it was completely apolitical, non-tribal and non-social. The so-called Gen Z, the generation born after 1990, protested peacefully against the finance bill that was about to be passed in parliament.
After the government refused to back down and listen to the young people, they decided to march on the capital's parliament buildings with the intention of occupying them peacefully to prevent the vote, but the outcome was disastrous: 10 people were killed in summary executions by the police, and the parliament was stormed and set on fire.
To commemorate those who died and another 50 victims (according to human rights organisations), young people are returning to the streets a year later, with the idea of marching in every city in the country and protesting against police abuses, extrajudicial kidnappings and abuses such as that which led to the death in custody of blogger Albert Ojwang on 8 June. Five police officers are under investigation for the killing.
A large demonstration is expected in Nairobi today, and Kenyan intelligence has also warned of possible terrorist infiltration, given the situation of the war between Israel and Iran, which also involves the United States.
The US and Israeli embassies have been designated as “sensitive targets”.
However, many Western embassies have also issued warnings about today's peaceful protests, calling on the Kenyan government to be alert to possible infiltrators, thugs who could be hired by someone to disrupt the peaceful nature of the demonstration.
As always, we will keep you updated throughout the day.