The ongoing demonstrations in Kenya have highlighted the immediate need for dialogue between the government and civil society in order to reduce the tension in the country. Continued instability will erode peace and stability in Kenya – in a region that is already dealing with myriad political challenges.

We support the right of Kenyans to organise peaceful demonstrations, according to the Kenyan Constitution. But at the same time, we call on protesters to exercise their right to picket under the constitution peacefully and the security forces to exercise restraint, and to avoid the use of violence.

We welcome President William Ruto’s decision to withdraw the 2024 Finance Bill that sparked the protests.  In a continent where the will of ordinary people is sometimes discounted by leaders, President Ruto’s decision, we hope, will lead to an inclusive and multi stakeholder engagement debate on the challenges facing the country’s economy especially on how best to raise revenues without undermining the ability of the possibility of the populace to meet their basic needs.

In the meantime, we urge the Kenyan government to allow civil society groups such as the Kenya Human Rights Commission, the law society, religious groups and representatives of the youth  to play a central role in the steps being taken to allay the fears of young Kenyans who are feeling the brunt of the economic squeeze.