Kenya Police Clash with Protesters in Nairobi, Firing Tear Gas

Police in Nairobi have fired tear gas to disperse hundreds of anti-government protesters in the Central Business District. The demonstrations, which have been ongoing for over two years, were initially sparked by proposed tax hikes and have continued despite President William Ruto withdrawing $2.7 billion in tax increases and making significant changes to his cabinet. Protesters are demanding Ruto's resignation, accusing him of misgovernance, corruption, and being responsible for the deaths of dozens of protesters during earlier rallies.

The protests have turned violent, with over 40 people reportedly killed since they began. President Ruto has accused the Ford Foundation, an American philanthropic organization, of sponsoring the protests, although no evidence has been provided to support this claim. The Ford Foundation has denied these allegations, stating it has a non-partisan policy for its grant-making and does not fund or support the protests. The government faces a challenge in balancing the demands of international lenders to reduce deficits with the rising living costs that have fueled public discontent.