Since June, the streets of Nairobi have been filled with people demonstrating against Kenyan President William Ruto. What began as opposition to a controversial finance bill, which was eventually scrapped, has escalated to an all out demand that the leader step down. While anti-government protestors have largely been the only ones expressing their opinions, in recent days a pro-government faction has emerged and wreaked havoc.
In response, police have ramped up their efforts to combat the crowds, however many have argued that their response has disproportionately targeted members of the anti-government side. Dozens have been killed, per BBC News, and countless others wounded in the clashes between the mostly young demonstrators and their pro-government counterparts.
According to Reuters, the pro-government demonstrators mostly ride around on motorcycles carrying signs that read, "We support the president" and "Enough is enough." In an interview with the outlet, one man said the goal is to "make sure that business must go back to normal in this city," adding, "We condemn the protests."
Amid scrutiny over their decision to fire live rounds at protestors, police have now resorted to using tear gas and other non-lethal tactics to clear the streets. Nonetheless, thousands still remain, vowing to stay until their demands are met. One group attempted to occupy the nation's airports, but were turned back by law enforcement set up in anticipation of the move.
"The police are only targeting us peaceful demonstrators while hired goons covered in masks on motorbikes with concealed number plates are moving in plain sight as the police just watch ," one pro-government protestor told the Times. "Who are they and what kind of country is this?" Protesters could be heard chanting "Ruto must go."
In an effort to quell the protests, Ruto has made a number of changes to his government, including firing nearly all of his Cabinet members. Many of them, however, were promptly reinstated in their positions.
