Groups of youthful protesters defied the authorities and shut down Nairobi as President William Ruto's latest political moves appeared to be paying off as the rest of the country remained calm on Thursday, August 8.
Read: Nane Nane: Peaceful demos disrupted by violent police in Nairobi, youths in Coast and Western keep off streets
Read: Oath of office: An unnecessary act according to ignored court advisory
There has also been a major crackdown on some of the political players accused by the state of infiltrating and mobilising the demonstrations.
Embakasi North MP James Gakuya and his Embakasi Central counterpart Benjamin Mejja Donk, both allies of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua – have been questioned over alleged links to the protests.
However, on Tuesday, August 6, the High Court issued an order preventing the police from arresting or detaining them. has also established that a financial institution flagged some questionable cash inflow believed to have been wired to facilitate the protests.
Read: From anthem to agony: Artiste who sang in praise of Ruto now living in fear
Youth in the Coast region stayed away from the streets in Mombasa, Kilifi and Kwale areas with the majority saying the nomination of Mr Joho and Salim Mvurya as CSs is a good gesture for the region.
"We are happy with the swearing-in of Mr Joho this morning, we will use different avenues to seek a bigger cake in government. But with Joho, we know we can have more," said Salima Hussein, a Mombasa resident.
Some of the Gen Zs described the former Mombasa governor as one of their own and that they now feel part of President William Ruto's government.
Speaking in Lamu Island, the Gen Z insisted that they do not see any reason to picket as they are confident with the new team of Cabinet Secretaries that were sworn in on Thursday.
"We have decided that instead of protesting, we will join hands to celebrate the swearing-in of Hassan Ali Joho as CS for Mining, Blue Economy and Fisheries. He's from the Coast. He's also an artist. We believe that his inclusion in President William Ruto's cabinet will give the Kenya Kwanza government the impetus to deliver on its promises," said Mohamed Omar, a prominent Gen Z protester in Lamu Old Town.
Prof Munene also said that the question of what happens if President Ruto is kicked out has also slowed down the protests.
Mr Odinga's elder brother, Dr Oburu Oginga, recently said the country was better off with President Ruto than with Mr Gachagua as head of state.
ODM Nairobi Chairman George Aladwa, who is also the Makadara MP, said the youths should now give the President and his new Cabinet time to serve the people of Kenya. Mr Aladwa said the President has listened to the youth and addressed some of their demands, including withdrawing the Finance Bill, 2023.[email protected]
