Protests

Youth Protests in Kenya

Youth protests in Kenya have erupted once again, and there is a powerful wave of resistance against the recently proposed tax hike. The youth, frustrated by economic hardships and a government they feel is unresponsive, have taken to the streets in a show of defiance. As I walked through the thick clouds of tear gas, my heart pounded, not just from the adrenaline, but from the sheer weight of the moment.

The Heart of the Youth Protest in Kenya

The youth protest in Kenya is not just about taxes; it is about a system that has continuously ignored the struggles of young people. As I observed the charged crowd, I could see the pain and desperation etched on their faces. The cost of living has skyrocketed, and with unemployment at an all-time high, the new tax proposals feel like a final nail in the coffin.

“We are tired!” shouted one protester, his voice hoarse from chanting. “They tax everything but do nothing for us. Where is our future?”

The question lingered in the air like the smoke rising from burning tires. Young people, who should be hopeful and building their futures, now find themselves in the streets, fighting for survival.

Why the Youth Protest in Kenya Matters

This youth protest in Kenya is more than just an expression of frustration. It is a movement. A movement of young people demanding transparency, accountability, and a government that prioritizes their needs. For years, policymakers have introduced reforms that burden the youth while failing to address key issues such as employment opportunities and education funding.

The government’s response to the protests has been heavy-handed. Riot police, armed with batons, shields, and tear gas, have clashed with protesters in various cities. But the resolve of the youth remains unshaken. They are determined to make their voices heard, no matter the cost.

The Role of Social Media in the Youth Protest in Kenya

Social media has played a crucial role in mobilizing and spreading awareness about the youth protest in Kenya. Hashtags such as #RejectTheTax and #YouthRevolt have trended, drawing attention from both local and international audiences. Videos of police using excessive force have sparked outrage, fueling the movement further.

Tenants of a building housing the Uganda High Commision in Nairobi, Kenya Flee for safety after fire engulfed the Premises Photo: Patrick NgugiAs I scrolled through my phone, I saw a powerful image—a young man standing in front of an armored police vehicle, holding a placard that read: “We are not enemies; we are the future.” That image encapsulated the essence of the protest: a peaceful demand for a better future.

The Economic Impact of the Youth Protest in Kenya

The youth protest in Kenya has also had a significant impact on the economy. Businesses have been forced to close due to unrest, and transportation systems have been disrupted. While some critics argue that the protests negatively affect the economy, supporters insist that the long-term benefits of systemic change far outweigh the temporary economic setbacks.

Many young people are struggling to find jobs, and the rising cost of living has made survival increasingly difficult. If the government does not address these concerns, Kenya risks losing a generation to poverty and hopelessness. The protests serve as a wake-up call for policymakers to implement real economic reforms.

The Political Implications of the Youth Protest in Kenya

The youth protest in Kenya is also shaping the country’s political landscape. Politicians are being forced to acknowledge the power of young voters and activists. Some leaders have begun engaging with youth representatives, while others continue to dismiss their grievances.

Historically, youth-led movements have brought about significant political change worldwide. Kenya’s protests may be the beginning of a larger shift in governance, where young people demand a seat at the table rather than waiting for change to come from above.

The Future of the Youth Protest in Kenya

What happens next? Will the government listen? Will there be reforms, or will these protests be another chapter in Kenya’s long history of political unrest? The youth protest in Kenya has sent a clear message: enough is enough.

As I left the protest scene, my eyes still burning from the tear gas, I felt a mix of emotions—anger, hope, and determination. The youth of Kenya are not just fighting against a tax hike; they are fighting for their future. And as long as their cries go unheard, the protests will not stop.

What I learnt in all this:

The youth protest in Kenya is a defining moment for this generation. It highlights the resilience of young people and their refusal to accept oppression. As the streets continue to echo with chants of resistance, one thing is clear: the Kenyan youth are ready to reclaim their future. The government and the world must listen.

The youth protest in Kenya is not just a fleeting even it is a movement that will shape the nation’s future. With continued pressure, activism, and engagement, the voices of young people will eventually bring about the change they seek.

risk of covering protest

The risks of covering protests as a photographer in Kenya are real, raw, and relentless. With every shutter click, you expose yourself to dangers that lurk within the chaos of the streets. As a photographer, you are both an observer and a potential target, caught between angry demonstrators, ruthless police officers, and unpredictable circumstances.

I remember the first time I covered a protest in Nairobi. The air was thick with teargas, my eyes burned, and my camera lens fogged up from the sting of chemicals. Protesters ran past me, their voices hoarse from chanting. I stood my ground, adjusting my camera settings, my heart pounding like a war drum. In that moment, I realized that the risks of covering protests as a photographer in Kenya were not just theoretical—they were brutally real.

The Constant Threat of Police Brutality

The risks of covering protests as a photographer in Kenya are largely shaped by the unpredictable nature of law enforcement. Police officers see cameras as weapons that expose their brutality to the world. Many photographers, including myself, have faced harassment, arrest, and even physical assault while doing our jobs.

One of my colleagues, James, was documenting a peaceful demonstration in Kisumu when he was suddenly surrounded by officers. Without warning, they grabbed his camera, smashed it to the ground, and dragged him away. He spent two nights in a police cell, accused of inciting violence—his only crime was documenting the truth.

Equipment Damage and Loss

The risks of covering protests as a photographer in Kenya extend beyond personal harm. Your camera gear is constantly at risk of damage or theft. When a protest turns violent, stones, tear gas canisters, and rubber bullets can strike your equipment.

I once lost a Nikon D750 when a police officer deliberately hit me with his baton, making me drop my camera onto the hard asphalt. The body cracked, the lens shattered, and my ability to document the moment was lost in an instant. There was no way to claim damages—just another occupational hazard.

Caught Between Two Sides

As a photographer, you must remain neutral, but in the heat of protests, neutrality does not exist. The risks of covering protests as a photographer in Kenya include being perceived as biased by either side. Protesters may think you are working for the government; authorities may see you as an agitator. Either way, you are never safe.

During the 2024 anti-tax protests in Nairobi, I was photographing a group of youths who had barricaded a street with burning tires. Suddenly, a group of plainclothes officers stormed in, dispersing the protesters. One of them pointed at me and shouted, “Huyo ni mmoja wao!” (“He’s one of them!”). Within seconds, I was running for my life, my camera swinging against my chest. That day, I learned that even with a press badge, no one is untouchable.

Psychological Toll

The risks of covering protests as a photographer in Kenya are not just physical—they are emotional. Witnessing violence, suffering, and injustice day after day takes a toll on mental health.

I have photographed families mourning their loved ones, bodies lying in pools of blood, and children crying in fear as tear gas fills the air. The nightmares come uninvited, the memories refuse to fade. Some photographers turn to alcohol, others quit the profession altogether. The burden of documenting history can be overwhelming.

Safety Tips for Photographers Covering Protests

Despite the risks of covering protests as a photographer in Kenya, many of us continue to do it because storytelling is our calling. If you are venturing into this dangerous yet essential work, here are a few survival tips:

1. Dress Appropriately: Wear neutral colors to blend in. Avoid bright or branded clothing that could make you a target.
2. Carry Minimal Gear: A small, discreet camera setup reduces your chances of being noticed or robbed.
3. Stay Mobile: Always have an escape plan. Know your exit routes and avoid being cornered.
4. Build Contacts: Connect with fellow photographers, journalists, and activists who can alert you to dangers.
5. Protect Your Work: Back up your photos immediately. Authorities have been known to confiscate or delete footage.
6. Invest in Safety Gear: Gas masks, helmets, and protective vests can be lifesaving.
7. Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with Kenyan media laws to defend yourself if confronted by authorities.

Why We Keep Going

Despite the risks of covering protests as a photographer in Kenya, we press on. We do it for truth, for justice, for the people whose voices would otherwise be silenced. Every powerful image we capture is a testament to resilience, a weapon against oppression.

Even as the threats loom large, we hold our cameras like shields, ready to document history as it unfolds. Because if we don’t, who will?

MY MOST INTENSE MOMENTS CAPTURING THE 2024 PROTESTS

The Protests in 2024 were not just another chapter in a long history of civil unrest, they were moments frozen in time, each frame carrying the weight of hope, anger, and the human spirit. As a photographer, every click of the shutter was a decision, a heartbeat in the ongoing struggle for justice. The raw intensity of the protests, with their mix of violence, passion, and collective action, was something I had never fully anticipated when I first grabbed my camera and entered the fray.

Protests in 2024 the first day of unrest

I remember the first day clearly clear skies, with the streets filled with the hum of a crowd growing steadily larger. But there was an undercurrent of something more. The tension was highly noticeable. You could feel it in the air, an electricity that crackled just beneath the surface. The Protests in 2024 had begun peacefully, but everyone around me knew something monumental was at stake. Kenyans were ready to march for change, and they were willing to risk everything to make their voices heard.

As a photographer, I was there to document it, but deep inside, I was also a witness to history in the making.

 When fear and unity collided

As the day wore on, the atmosphere began to change. From downtown to uptown. River road to to Koinange street. The peaceful chants of the young people grew louder, the urgency to march to parliament grounds,  more pronounced. A single tear rolled down the cheek of a young man beside me, his fist clenched in a symbol of defiance. There was a growing sense of fear, fear of the unknown, fear of what might come next. Fear of being just a Name on IPOA list documenting Police Brutality. But there was also a feeling of unity, a collective strength that seemed to come alive as the crowd surged forward, demanding answers. The Protests in 2024 were no longer just a gathering; they had become a movement, an undeniable force of nature. A movement that could not be stopped by the outnumbered GSU Police Members, who were ready to strike anyone who crossed their line.

But with the movement came violence. As the protests escalated, so did the response from authorities. The police, in full riot gear, were moving quickly to contain the crowds. That’s when the chaos erupted; flashbangs, tear gas, and the sounds of screams blending with the roar of the crowd. Their Water Canons Speeding past protesters drenching them with pink coloured water. Protesters continued to Pish the GSU officers back.

It was a moment where everything seemed to happen at once. My instincts as a photographer kicked in. I found myself crouched behind a barricade, snapping images of the clash that was unfolding in front of me.

Battlefield captured in frames

Here’s a rewritten version of your paragraph to match the image of the injured boy being carried during the protest:

The streets of Nairobi were surreal; an overwhelming rush of sound, urgency, and chaos. The protests had escalated beyond a march; they had become a battlefield. In the midst of the turmoil, I saw the human cost of resistance. A young man, his green jacket smeared with blood, was being carried by frantic hands. His face twisted in agony, his body limp, his jeans soaked in red. The determination in the eyes of those holding him spoke volumes; fear, anger, and desperation fused into one moment. I raised my camera, knowing this wasn’t just about him. His suffering was a testament to everyone who had put their bodies on the line for change. Through my lens, I hoped his story would reach those who would never step onto these streets, never feel the weight of this fight firsthand.

In the aftermath of the chaos, I continued to document the aftermath—people helping each other, bloodied faces, the faint smell of smoke still in the air. It was in these quiet moments that the real story of the Protests in 2024 emerged. The wounded were not just victims; they were also survivors. The resilience of the human spirit was present in every photo I took, each one showing a moment of struggle, of defiance, and of hope.

The defining moment of the protest came when tensions escalated outside the gates of Parliament in Nairobi. A police officer, armed and masked, took position behind a fence, aiming his weapon at protesters attempting to breach the compound. Just beyond him, a military truck burned, thick black smoke billowing into the sky—a stark symbol of the unrest. The air crackled with urgency, the lines between authority and resistance drawn sharply. I raised my camera, capturing the raw intensity of a city at a breaking point, where every action carried the weight of defiance and consequence.

A story beyond the headlines

The Protests in Kenya were not just about the images I captured; they were about the people. They were about the stories of individuals who came together to fight for something bigger than themselves. Through the lens of my camera, I was able to see not just the external turmoil but also the internal strength that drove the movement forward.

In many ways, the photos I took of the Protests of the day felt like a reflection of my own emotional journey. As I navigated each and every street, I felt my own sense of fear, anger, and hope intertwining with those around me. What began as an assignment to document a social arrest in the city, became something much deeper; an opportunity to be part of a larger story, to witness the raw, unfiltered reality of Kenyans fighting for their future.

 A testament to the human spirit

As I look back at the images from the Protests, I see not just the physical scars of the struggle among Kenyans  but the emotional ones as well. Every protester, every face, every tear captured on my card  is a reminder of the humanity behind the headlines.

The true story of these protests lies not in the headlines, but in the eyes of those who stood and fought, who bled, Injured, and hoped. I will carry these images with me, not just as a photographer, but as a Kenyan being who witnessed history unfold, frame by frame.

In the end, the Protests in Kenya were not just a fleeting moment. They were a testament to the power of the younger Generation in Kenya, a reminder that, in the face of adversity, poor governance and rampant corruption, we are capable of incredible things. And as a photographer, I am grateful to have been there to witness and capture it all.