The Storm is Coming: Why Kenyans Should Brace for Unprecedented Protests

 It’s official: men are taking to the streets with a vengeance. Many Kenyans, living comfortably in their apartments with food on the table and bills paid, may be oblivious to the impending unrest. While some believe that the momentum for protests, such as the "mandamano," has waned since the bipartisan talks, a closer look at the situation suggests otherwise. The analysis that protests have lost steam may seem accurate in a normal political climate, but the reality is far more volatile.

To begin with, the Finance Bill 2023 has unleashed a storm of discontent. While some may dismiss the housing levy, the increase in VAT on fuel from 8% to 16% alone is enough to push inflation to dangerous levels. Basic goods could see price hikes that will leave Kenyans struggling. The government, in its pursuit of controlling the narrative, has ignited a firestorm of resentment, whispering to the public that protests are inevitable.

Furthermore, scandals involving corruption, from the edible oils to maize debacles, have fueled public anger. While government officials continue to deny these scandals, their ostentatious displays of wealth and lavish lifestyles are becoming impossible to ignore. The disparity between the rich and the poor is widening, and the masses are taking notice.

Moreover, the government’s arrogance, particularly in its response to corruption allegations, has only fueled this growing discontent. Kenyans are seeing through the veneer of authority and growing more frustrated with the status quo. This government, rather than cooling tensions, is inadvertently preparing the nation for unrest.

What’s more, many Kenyans are leaving the country in droves, seeking better opportunities abroad. The government's failure to provide basic services, like working passport printing machines, is only adding to the frustration. These actions may be a deliberate effort to keep Kenyans within the country, but they are also sparking anger and further driving people towards protest.

Ultimately, the government’s actions have only served to prepare the Kenyan populace for a new wave of protests, one that could be far more intense than before. With mounting economic challenges and growing inequality, the streets are calling. Kenyans are ready to rise up, and the government’s arrogance and ineptitude are only fueling the fire. The situation is rapidly deteriorating, and the question remains: will it be a peaceful protest, or will the anger explode into something far more dangerous? The answer may soon unfold, but one thing is clear—change is on the horizon, and it’s coming fast.