Over 30 people have died since protests erupted in Kenya in March 2023, Gathanga Ndung’u examines the movement’s grievances and the long history behind the unrest

Later this year, on 12 December 2023, we Kenyans will mark 60 years since independence from the brutality of British white supremacy and settler colonialism. It’s a time to celebrate. But it’s also a moment to pause. To reflect on the challenges we’ve had, the betrayals we’ve participated in and the skeletons in our closet.

Today maandamano (protests) against a massive cost of living crisis are a weekly and bloody affair. The Kenyan police, already known for extrajudicial violence and corruption, have killed scores of protestors. Whilst anger spills on the streets, many are not surprised at people’s struggles and concerns. In the words of J.M Kariuki, who fought in the Mau Mau liberation struggle, how have we managed to produce fifty millionaires and fifty million beggars? Why can we not feed our population? Where is the land and freedom our mashujaa (heroes) fought for?

This year, as a part of the Social Justice Movement, Mathare Social Justice Centre, Revolutionary Socialist League, and Ukombozi Library among other allied organisations, we have been working to renew the pledge of our freedom fighters—for land, food, and freedom—in our grassroots campaigns, including via African Liberation Day, Saba Saba (7 July) commemorations, and (Dedan) Kimathi Day.

Kimathi, leader of Mau Mau, was executed in 1957, six years before independence was finally achieved. The British hid his remains and burial site; they never wanted him becoming a symbol of resistance or a site for would-be resurgent organising.  Yet today Kimathi’s struggle remains painfully relevant—a struggle we want to ensure people remember as they take to the streets.

Cost of living crisis under Ruto

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