How Kenya’s protesters faced death to hold their leaders to account | Close Up

When Kenya’s Gen Z came out onto the streets of Nairobi, they hoped the government would listen to them. Instead, the police responded with tear gas, water cannon and live ammunition which resulted in the deaths of 39 demonstrators.
The initial outrage was sparked by a piece of legislation known as the Finance Bill 2024, that sought to raise taxes on several basic goods. Many Kenyans say daily life is already unaffordable. The perception was that the government was forcing the young and poor to bear the brunt of the country’s debt crisis, after years of financial mismanagement and spending that only benefits those in power.
Activist Boniface Mwangi was among the protesters, as bullets rang out and the scale of the crackdown by security forces became apparent. Mwangi’s nickname online is the ‘People’s Watchman’ because he strives to get justice for people whose plight would otherwise go ignored. Now, he’s seeking justice and accountability for the families of the victims who were gunned down while demanding dignity.
This is the story of how Kenya’s youth fought and won but at an immense human toll of dozens of lives.
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#Kenya #SabaSabaDay #Nairobi #KenyaDemocracyProtest #WilliamRuto #RutoMustResign #RevolutionKE #GenZ #TotalShutdownKE #RutoMustGo #KenyaTaxHikes #KenyaProtests #KenyaUnrest #KNCHR #KenyaAntigovernmentProtests #KenyaRiots #SabaSaba #GenZSabaSaba #SabaMarchForOurLives #RightToProtest #CloseUP

[@tallnboldman.7380]

I RESPECT BONIFACE FOR HIS COSISTENCY, HE STARTED IT A VERY LONG TIME AGO. HE HAS BEEN FIGHTING FOR JUSTICE IN THE BEST WAY HE KNOWS HOW.

[@kehindeogundeji7410]

Why do we have terrible, cruel, satanic and demonic, merciless rulers in our continent, Africa 🌍?!! I'm a Nigerian, I stand with you. We share in your grief 😭.

[@Clank12]

Praying for the people of Kenya, you guys are strong and kind, and will be victorious, hang in there!🖤🙏 . - Your brother from Somalia

[@amoskatana702]

Viva! Most appreciated ✊🏾

[@patriciaa4451]

Bonnie has been fighting for Kenyans for over a decade. He’s legit.

[@Mr254real]

Legit my foot. That guy is a beneficiary of chaos.

[@yahyaismail4418]

@@Mr254realif they have evidence why not prosecute 😢😢.. stop listening government propaganda

[@jayo7812]

Very legit! It's some small small people born yesterday who don't even know the impact of Boni all the way from the arts scene in Kenya. Hawajui the way many of their favorite musicians walianza Pawa 254, where civic education started at 254, vile alisupport spoken word. Boni has stood by Kenya and the youth for over a decade.

[@periskoigi6088]

Boniface mwangi is a devil 😈

[@userdaddyy]

It's not just overtaxation... it's the fact that the tax is being used by the politicians to flaunt lifestyles online

[@martinmakau1138]

This is it

[@CandiceMMartinez]

Sadly this US is trying to enforce this same model on us

[@deescott8312]

@@CandiceMMartinezlies stop spreading filth about the USA

[@victoriabarivure8211]

The whole international community is guilty of what is happening in Africa cus they support the perpetrators.​@@deescott8312

[@wiseduncan]

May the souls of our heroes rest in eternal paradise 🕯️. 🇰🇪

[@99savage84]

We will continue to fight for this country 💪. We must see a better Kenya that's good for the common mwananchi and therefore the system has to be fought. We can't live like slaves in our country. Kenya 🇰🇪 my country ❤

[@stephenodhiambo7556]

Viva!

[@patrickkairu7752]

all the way

[@pmwiky]

I think the one thing everyone outside Kenya is missing is that we aren't necessarily opposed to paying higher taxes if it was actually going to improve the nation. It's that the high taxes we are already paying are being blatantly misused and squandered corruptly, whether it is needless expensive renovations to government buildings and "furniture acquisitions " running into the high millions of dollars. to creation of unconstitutional positions leading to additional needless bureaucracy that not only adds to the already bloated government wages, but also allows extra avenues for corruption. To the ridiculous high numbers of first class trips abroad by government officials (most notably the president himself) accompanied by massive entourages of joy riders. Or the vanity "infrastructure programs that NOBODY ASKED FOR! All this paid for by taxpayers. Meanwhile the government doesn't have money to pay Teachers, doctors, nurses, or providing medical services. However the political class somehow has massive wealth to flex with riding around in impressive convoys and giving millions to "church fundraising." Against this backdrop, they want to increase more taxes on us...my blood is boiling as I type this

[@petermacharia7171]

I wish it was just lifestyle, but like they are competing, who will be the richest man in Kenya.. i hear the debt is at 11 trillion already.. They go for debt to get more rich

[@sharonstone7587]

Crying for my beloved country, may our fallen heroes rest in peace.

[@Imranow2030]

Ameen

[@faridabdullaziz7520]

Aameen 🤲

[@lucafrica123]

Ruto with his government are coursed. The blood of the young souls is not in vain. The cries of desperate Kenyans due to poverty, hunger, unemployment, luck of health care ,brutality, assassinations, list goes on will one day be answered. 😢

[@wycliffhezron7378]

God Bless My Country 🇰🇪❤🙏

[@KFlifestyle]

Jehovah God almighty🙏🏻

[@caxtonasiligwa72]

Keep it up Boni Wish you all the best bro tuko pamoja

[@TheMsChrisie]

We appreciate you Bonnie. You've never given up on fighting for what is right.

[@MwAfrika_Kev]

We are not going back to the 90s

[@Themask1992]

Bro u already are, take a good look at the state of the country right now! It’s infact way backwards than 90s

[@faridahassan1250]

​@@Themask1992you have a lot to do in Rwanda leave Kenya alone we know what we want and what Kenyans are fighting for.

[@Themask1992]

@@faridahassan1250 good for you, and ohh, boy o boy, Rwanda we good! Do u see us protesting on the streets, clearly we can see u know what u want🫣🫣! Imagine after just two years in office and u already rioting, and u here trying to show US u know what you want, U DONT

[@MwasJames.]

@@Themask1992 Shut the F**k up, why don't you concentrate on your country and live us out of your mouth.

[@patopatrick258]

​@@Themask1992it only takes a fool to glorify a politician! who doesn't know this African presidents are caretakers of north and west, This is a war of hunger and it's all over Africa or you think to be surrounded by soldiers, police and local defences everywhere is peace!? Wake up Mr! Uhagarikiwe ningwe aravoma tujye twemera

[@edgarmapesaojiwa8066]

Other countries want to be like US and 50 people have been killed in 2 weeks of protests and over 350 injured. We were brave and we knew that Freedom for us had a price. We have lost our brothers and Sisters but the fight must continue against this government. Ruto Must Go

[@user-bq9bd6yv5e]

Mungiki too fought for their """freedom"""" novamungikis,,,,,,,

[@edgarmapesaojiwa8066]

@@user-bq9bd6yv5e are you comparing the current movement to Mungiki? When did fighting for a better and fair governance for all Kenyans become a crime? The movement wants a better Kenya in terms of accountability in terms of the money the politicians are spending?Are we wrong as Kenyans? To think we deserve more and that the leaders are short changing us? Is it a crime to hold the political class accountable for their actions? The your little mind is comparing us to Mungiki eh? Either you are intellectually a dwarf or you work for NIS and Itumbi.

[@MwasJames.]

@@user-bq9bd6yv5e stop displaying your stupidity on a worldwide platform!

[@boycheezy]

​@@user-bq9bd6yv5euuumbwa yenye haina haga hii 😢😢

[@leevanthompson3838]

I stand with you my friend😢 people in Africa and around the world should know that freedom is not free.

[@cleo4782]

We love you Boniface Mwangi for always standing for justice in Kenya!May God continue watching over you!

[@anderslunde861]

Brave citizens in the streets, mad respect!!🙏🏾

[@bonfacewachira3297]

The pressure is still on ..on Tuesday we are on streets we must get rid of systematic corruption we are clearing the cache..Okiya omtatah 💪💪💪

[@realjrstewart]

THE TRUTH MUST BE HEARD..... KENYA MUST BE FREE

[@MachariaIthage]

Rest in peace😢

[@midomarvin8793]

Full of courage. Inspiring. Powerful. Patriotic 🇰🇪✊🏾💯

[@jamesnganga6387]

we will not give up till the end GEN Z FOREVER YO👊👊👊👊👊🇰🇪

[@tysmbugua3656]

Will you be gen z forever

[@jamesnganga6387]

@@tysmbugua3656 maybe

[@tysmbugua3656]

@@jamesnganga6387 no you wont. Everything has an expiration date, today you are on top, tomorrow your not. But you wont understand this until a couple years in

[@jimg1056]

​@@tysmbugua3656In heart yes

[@law_otieno1114]

@@tysmbugua3656 Ofcourse he will be a GenZ forever... By you asking that question it means you don't even know the meaning of GenZ

[@DhibaTada]

I am watching this video in Berlin and it makes really sad to see Kenya like this. I miss my family and friends. My thoughts and prayers are with Ibrahim and his family!

[@erickithuka6997]

I love bonface and others he saw it long time God bless them

[@Ericmwangii]

Aljazeera doing the lord's work.

[@user-tt8zl8ns6i]

Keep doing what u do .iys for your people and Africa on a whole. Great job bro. Looking from Dominica 🇩🇲 Caribbean.

[@alvinnickmbala]

3:15 So sad indeed 💔

[@ezekielokal2366]

If there was a time for kenya to change the system is now. An efficient and accountable government with responsible leadership.

[@MuneneMwangi-yl8ug]

Watching this only encourages me to fight for this country Its so heartbreaking to see a goverment turning against its own people The whole world is watching..

[@nktv003]

a politician was seen handing over 200k dollars in a single fundrasier,another one was showing off a15k dollars watch, question is where do all these money come from and yet their salaries are known?

[@mizzmini45]

Salaries are Pennies to them like they say

[@DEMANOTY]

Ruto must go

[@AbisaeOketch]

Rest in peace our fallen heroes...we don't fear bullets anymore because when we die ... thousands of our spirits are born ✊✊✊

[@Ngolo1905]

My heart bleeds when I see this, God plis deliver us from these goons as government.😥

[@fiaskodollari7116]

God bless Kenya

[@AMAli-ct5df]

Boniface mwangi is really the people's watchman

[@makherubradley2103]

"The secret to life is to have no fear." -- Kwame Nkrumah "Those of great heart are the chosen of God." -- Ptahhotep

[@MogyBlck-yq3kj]

We keep on fighting🇰🇪🇰🇪❤️🇰🇪🇰🇪

[@ILIVEAGOODLIFE]

Thank you Boniface mwangi. W

[@typemartin4183]

What a Nice piece🇰🇪❤️

[@joycewanjugu]

Sir you are always in my prayer,we cant afford to lose to lose you

[@ngurenjoki9796]

We are behind you Boni and all Gen z we shall liberate our country kenya❤

[@user-jn1fz7vj8i]

People from Kenya are beautiful. Prayers for your country

[@oliviaobala3553]

The end broke me,aluta freedom from high taxation

[@amardeepsingh5827]

God bless Kenya ! bless Boniface and God bless al jazeera, spread the good vibes

[@zischeshorts]

ruto must go

[@GlassesNganga-fx8fu]

May The Almighty Lord give us wisdom of electing God fearing selfless leaders.🙏🙏🙏

[@omarjeylan4113]

a relative of 21 year old young imam who memorised QURAN was abducted 3 years ago n still not known if he is alive or killed, is so sad and painful for the mother of that young man, when their is injustices in the country then God is going to punish everyone in the country, there will be anarchy killing rapes stealing n so many evil things will happen,. May Allah protect Kenyans from injustices from politicians and leaders.

[@annekamau2587]

Thank you Boniface for fighting on. You have inspired and irritated in equal measure. You are a freedom fighter. Also the Red on our flag is The Blood that continues to flow for equity and prosperity of all Kenyans. White has taken a new meaning for me. Unity. One thing mr. ruto has achieved is unite Kenyans. No other has been able to unite Kenyans as he has.

[@paulinekalondu2846]

This is why am very upset

[@yucabethkinyanjui249]

Love you Bonnie 🔥 mungu akuongezee masiku❤❤

[@uhuru23]

Bless you Bonnie

[@charlesmwakera]

Enough respect man! Viva Genz,

[@user-vx5kv8dz3d]

Ruto will pay heavily

[@maina_mwangih]

The worst president in kenya is ruto 😢😢

[@user-bq9bd6yv5e]

He's the best ,,pulled Kenya from a deep hole ,,, now the ungrateful bastards have guts to call him names ,,,,

[@imutimwiti7606]

@@user-bq9bd6yv5e nonsense

[@Martin-oo6dq]

​@user-bq9bd6yv5e actually he put us in that hole when he stole the entire eurobond which we are struggling to pay to date

[@Candys9096]

The most Disrespected President in the World

[@cindywangui8254]

​@@user-bq9bd6yv5e what hole kibaki is the best President we ever had

[@Kobsmaloded]

Watching this make me want to fight more for my country...these deaths of our heros won't be in vain...Ruto is trying to sanitize himself by enticing our young people but we won't fall for his trap..we shall be resilient in our quest to liberate this country. Its time to Factory Reset Kenya..my deepest condolences goes to all the families and friends whoes loved ones were killed by Rutos people. Very painful

[@Nini98765]

Boniface Mwangi is doing a great job. Long live Kenya and may our land be liberated

[@supu1237]

God bless you

[@ArmygirlOT7-1974]

I don't think if these policemen are Kenyan police,cause the way they are dealing with Kenyans,nimekataa kubelieve eti ni wa kenya juu how can you treat your fellow citizen like that.

[@phaytanu]

🇰🇪🤗 Great Documentary

[@ronodenis1]

Ruto must Go!

[@juoanjuo]

❤Boni thank you so much on behalf of Kenyans

[@ramadhanmohamed7348]

INALILAH WAINA ILAHI RAJIUN 🙏

[@gracenderitu3941]

You stayed alive, thanks be to God.

[@user-jo2th8dk1o]

This one speaking here is part of Kenyas problems very tribal and money minded .

[@jimsonmurangiri4745]

Much admiration for you bonnie

[@amoskatana702]

Boniface Mwangi has stood the test of time. Viva combrade Viva! ✊🏾

[@CindyMagara]

Bravo!

[@nsoromotujustin1252]

Shame on him

[@victorrobert5046]

God bless 🙏 you

[@stevenworld3364]

There is not much employment and so many youth are out of work.

[@abdiwadudmaalim38]

Hey those in outside kenya

[@coolchap247]

This is inhumane and unbecoming

[@enocksparta2634]

May Jesus protect you bonny as you fight for us❤

[@cuttingedgeConsistentTraders]

The major issue is these goons in power overtaxing us while looting the cash and living lavish lifestyles without any austerity measures , yet telling people to live within their means with zero performance people can feel since assuming power. That is unacceptable in Kenya. Over our dead bodies

[@Extraordinaryluv]

Can anyone help me get out of Kenya please, I graduated in 2018 and still I got no job. Thank you to anyone who sees my comment

[@boycheezy]

Would you rather be a coward who is first to escape his house when a fire erupts or rather be the one who helps others in putting down the fire. I am disappointed in you brother.

[@aroukapenn]

*WHAT WAS THAT IN THE FIRE HOSE???🤔🤔🤔*

[@Placid_Cat]

freedom

[@divinahogamba]

😢😢aki walimlipua kichwa

[@alemalmaz9466]

Inna lillah waina ileyhi rajoun Hii imenigusa as a mom it was so unnecessary for him to do that extra judicial killing intimidation abduction enyewe waende wote haiwezekani

[@hamdiabdulkadir2206]

Praying for your peace❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@odemaj8605]

This can never happen in Nigeria, 2020 was the last and will remain so a long time

[@kadogosoti1552]

Boniface talks like this this get funding.

[@user-qd9se5bn9z]

And you thought it was over, it's just the beginning

[@nidaadilayubnas4590]

Allah ho Akbar GOD is Great

[@DeryaMildred]

That guy 😢😢😢😢whose dead body was being carried like a thug in that police 🚓 car . They don't have empathy for sure. That head has traumatized me to date.

[@bridgetakinyi3223]

May the souls of the fallen hero's rest in peace 😢

[@ahmadfaraz6489]

May Allah protect you brother

[@shemakamuzinzidavid7234]

Liberty or Death

[@kennedykiruri3625]

Ruto to hague

[@xmusic5815]

huyu msee need to be the president of Kenya

[@Globalonlinechurch]

Why can't we vote Boniface to a leadership position.

[@lucybroadnax2451]

My tears 😢😢😢😂my country may have peace

[@esralast]

We need strong and power full leader like

[@marvintiffan3412]

President Ruto Must go Hoome underline the word Must

[@willyprince9660]

He has done his part now using the videos to look for money from NGOs

[@Vokay100]

Let the world leaders who lay the red carpet for Ruto,know who he really is.

[@inspiremotivatekenya2286]

May Jehovah jealously sorround you Boniface Mwangi

[@willyprince9660]

He is just using the demos to fund his lifestyle...this guy😊

[@NeygarzruinedAmerica]

Biden said Kenya was out good friend 😂😂😂😂

[@annemubachia2384]

Stop this madness