Youth protesters clashed with police in Nairobi ahead of Katiba Day.

 As Katiba Day approaches on August 27th, marking 14 years since the 2010 Constitution's enactment, a determined group of youths took to the streets of Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) today to raise awareness about the nationwide anti-government protests scheduled for Tuesday. However, their peaceful march was abruptly halted when several leaders were arrested by the police, cutting the demonstration short.

Before the arrests, the protesters held a press briefing to outline their plans for the Tuesday protests. This renewed wave of activism comes as many Kenyans believed the momentum for anti-government demonstrations had waned following the less impactful Nanenane protests. Now, Katiba Day seems to have reignited the spirit of resistance that had diminished since the unsuccessful Nanenane demonstrations on August 8th.

Booker Omolo, Chairman of the People’s Assembly, declared, “Tomorrow, August 27th, Katiba Day will not just be a day of commemoration but a day of mass action. We demand President William Ruto’s immediate resignation.”

Kasmuel Mcoure, spokesperson for the People’s Assembly, added, “As Katiba turns 14 tomorrow, we invite you to reflect on whether the Constitution has been respected.”

Generation Z, the People’s Assembly, and 54 other revolutionary organizations will host protests across the country, continuing their call for President Ruto’s resignation, citing his failure to uphold the Constitution and address critical issues such as corruption, youth unemployment, and the high cost of living.

Activist Wanjira Wanjiru emphasized, “We cannot continue living in an active crime scene and do nothing about it. We cannot stand idly by as corruption and injustice run rampant.”

Protesters are also demanding justice for those killed, injured, or disappeared during previous anti-government protests, as cases of forced abductions and disappearances continue to rise.

Kasmuel Mcoure further stated, “We demand the release of the Kitengela 3, and we ask you to reflect tomorrow on whether the Constitution has been respected.”

Criticizing the broad-based government as unconstitutional and politically motivated, protesters plan to initiate a signature collection drive for a referendum aimed at amending the Constitution, which they are calling the “People’s Assembly Referendum.”

Prof. Fred Ogolla, an activist, questioned, “Those telling us to give Ruto more time, tell us—more time to do what? He knows what we want.”

Booker Omolo added, “The broad-based government is just a strategy for President Ruto to win the 2027 election.”

Despite the recent slowdown in anti-government protests, a section of the youth remains defiant, calling for a total shutdown on Katiba Day. Only time will tell if the protests will gain traction.