Crackdown in Kenya: Can authorities silence Gen Z protests?

The Debate

Rubber bullets, tear gas, water cannons and live rounds: can Kenya's police beat the defiance of a new generation into submission? Monday's Saba Saba Day marches, marking 35 years since the spark of the movement that led to a return of multiparty rule, were the latest protests to turn deadly.

We ask about the 31 people killed on the day, the increasingly heavy hand of authorities since last year's anti-tax demonstrations and the demands of the so-called Gen Z movement.

Ahead of Saba Saba Day was the funeral in his home village of 31-year-old blogger Albert Ojwang, who died last month in police custody. How much of a test is this for Kenya's democracy, one of the few in the region?

President William Ruto, who in a past life was cleared over post-electoral violence at the International Criminal Court, had managed to recast himself as a mainstream politician courted on the world stage. He's defiant in the face of those calling for his departure before the end of his mandate in 2027. What next for Ruto and the largely leaderless movement defying him?

Produced by Rebecca Gnignati, Elisa Amiri and Ilayda Habip.