Germany is closely watching Kenya as more people continue to protest against the government. The protests started in June 2024, when Kenyans went to the streets to reject the Finance Bill that introduced taxes on basic goods.
This protest against the bill has turned into a bigger anti-government movement as people call for leadership changes and reforms. Many feel that the government is not listening.
The German Ambassador to Kenya, Sebastian Groth, said many Kenyans have lost trust in public institutions. In an interview with The Star, he said, “A state cannot function properly if its citizens don’t have confidence in its institutions.”
A study by GeoPoll shows that 63% of Kenyans say they don’t trust the government to handle the issues raised during the protests. Of those, 38% said they had “very little” trust, and 26% said they had “no trust at all.”
The ambassador said Germany is ready to help bring people together.
“We’re open to acting as a bridge between different groups. We understand the situation and want to help restore trust,” he said.
“That is why we follow what’s happening in Kenya closely, every minute, every hour, every day.”
Groth also said the June 25 protests in 2024 and 2025 are a major moment in Kenya’s history. He called it a “political awakening” for Gen Z.
He said young people didn’t turn out in large numbers to vote in the 2022 election, but now they are standing up, organizing, and demanding change.
Deadly Finance Bill Protests
During the Finance Bill 2024 protests, young Kenyans used social media, TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), WhatsApp, and Instagram, to organize protests using hashtags like #RejectFinanceBill2024, #OccupyParliament, and #RutoMustGo.
Online posts turned into large street protests. A few days after the protests began, police opened fire on the crowds, killing at least one person. The unrest grew and became known as the “Seven Days of Rage.” Protesters stormed Parliament, burned parts of it, and took the ceremonial mace.
Police used live bullets. Between 19 and over 60 people were killed, and hundreds were injured.
Germany is concerned. Kenya is one of its closest partners in East Africa. The protests and violence could affect economic ties and future cooperation.
As Kenyans continue to speak out, the world is watching, and Germany is paying attention.
By Vivian K.