#meanwhile ...in Kenya

Kenya’s anti-government uprising seems unstoppable as military patrols, road blockades, tear gas, and police violence fail to quell the mobilization. Beginning as anti-IMF tax reform protests, people on Kenya’s streets are now demanding the overthrow of President William Ruto.

Kenyans see their fellow protesters shot dead in front of their eyes but choose to fight on. On Thursday, at least two more protesters were gunned down by police near the capital, Nairobi. More than 200 others were injured, often through the indiscriminate use of firearms by authorities.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF), which is pressuring Kenya to implement tax reforms as a precondition for more funds, said, “We are deeply concerned about the tragic events in Kenya.” Behind the curtain, however, IMF told the Ruto government to “stay committed” in the face of unrest.