On August 26, 2024, a surprise protest erupted in Nairobi's Central Business District, resulting to the arrest of several demonstrators, including notable figures like governance expert Professor Fred Ogola and civic educator Comrade Muthiora. The protesters, chanting "Yote yawezekana bila Ruto," were advocating for constitutional amendments and were reportedly in the process of collecting signatures when police intervened.
Speaking from police custody, Professor Ogola emphasized that their protest was focused on addressing critical issues highlighted by the youth during the demonstration.
The timing of the protest is significant, as it coincides with upcoming events commemorating the promulgation of Kenya's 2010 Constitution. These events have brought longstanding grievances regarding political, social, and economic issues to the forefront. Activists and politicians have announced further protests scheduled for August 27, under the banner #OccupySupremeCourt, urging Chief Justice Martha Koome to engage with the demonstrators.
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Online, hashtags like #DISSOLVEPARLIAMENT and #OCCUPYSUPREMECOURT are gaining momentum, with citizens expressing growing frustration over what they perceive as a corrupt and ineffective parliament. This wave of protests underscores the increasing demand for accountability and reform within the Kenyan government.