Kenya on edge for protest anniversary

Kenya was on high alert on Wednesday as it marked a year since thousands stormed parliament at the peak of anti-government protests, with fears that memorial marches would be met by state-backed gangs and police violence.

At least 60 people were killed by security forces in weeks of protests over tax rises and anger about the dire economic situation for many young Kenyans.

The families of victims and activists have called for peaceful demonstrations on Wednesday to mark a year since the deadliest day of the unrest when parliament was invaded.

There have been calls for a nationwide shutdown to mark the anniversary. But some activists have shared calls to OccupyStateHouse -- referring to the office of President William Ruto -- and many schools and businesses are closed for fear of renewed unrest.

"It is extremely important that the young people mark June 25th because they lost people who look like them, who speak like them... who are fighting for good governance," said Angel Mbuthia, chair of the youth league for the opposition Jubilee Party.

As well as marking the anniversary, anger has flared over police brutality, particularly after a teacher was killed in custody earlier this month following his arrest for criticising a senior officer.

Police say protests are permitted as long as they are "peaceful and unarmed".

But a group of peaceful protesters last week was attacked by a large gang of motorbike-riding "goons", as they are known in Kenya, armed with whips and clubs and working in tandem with the police, AFP journalists saw.

Western embassies in Kenya, including those of Britain, Germany and the United States, criticised in a joint statement "the use of hired 'goons' to infiltrate or disrupt peaceful gatherings".

Analyst and lawyer Javas Bigambo told AFP he was worried that self-serving activists and political parties were exploiting the volatile mood to encourage young people into violence.

"There is nothing good to celebrate about the events that happened last year," he said. "If we were serious about commemorating June 25th, it should be in solemnity, prayer and restraint."

'Threatening our nation'

There is deep resentment against Ruto, who came to power in 2022 promising rapid economic progress.

Many have been disillusioned by continued stagnation, corruption and high taxes, even after last year's protests forced Ruto to cancel the unpopular finance bill.

His government has been at pains to avoid direct tax rises this year.

But the frequent disappearances of government critics -- rights groups have counted more than 80 since last year's protests, with dozens still missing -- have led many to accuse Ruto of returning Kenya to the dark days of its dictatorship in the 1980s and 1990s.

Ruto has previously promised an end to abductions but was unapologetic in a speech on Tuesday, vowing to "stand by" the police.

"You cannot use force against the police or insult or threaten the police. You are threatening our nation," he warned protesters.