In Nairobi, Kenya, tensions escalated as law enforcement clashed with demonstrators on Thursday preceding planned protests against a contentious finance bill. President William Ruto's pledge not to sign the bill and to retract tax increases failed to assuage protesters' mistrust, prompting them to march towards State House. This skepticism stemmed from previous violent incidents in the capital, where protestors had stormed and ignited parts of the parliament building.

Police responded to attempts by demonstrators to assemble in the central business district with tear gas canisters, despite a court order suspending military assistance to the police during protests.

Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua urged young protestors on Wednesday to suspend their plans and pursue dialogue instead. However, the spontaneous movement, initially sparked online by youth opposing tax hikes, evolved into broader demands for President Ruto's resignation after the bill's passage. Tensions reached a peak on Tuesday when thousands stormed parliament, resulting in clashes with police that claimed at least 22 lives and inflicted damage on the building.

Activists displayed divided opinions on Thursday's objectives. Boniface Mwangi advocated for a peaceful commemoration at parliament road for the deceased, cautioning against further attempts to breach State House. In contrast, Francis Gaitho and fellow organizers insisted on marching to State House, emphasizing the high stakes as Ruto pledged to suppress unrest "at any cost."

Political analyst Javas Bigambo highlighted entrenched economic discontent and skepticism regarding Ruto's abrupt policy reversals. He stressed the necessity for the government to demonstrate humility, initiate dialogue channels, and ensure a consultative budgeting process to restore public confidence.

Amid concerns of renewed violence and looting, business proprietors in Nairobi guarded their establishments vigilantly. Major thoroughfares leading to governmental facilities, including parliament, were barricaded, while protests erupted in other urban centers such as Mombasa, Kisumu, and Migori.

The United States intervened, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken urging restraint from security forces and advocating for investigations into alleged human rights violations. Despite Ruto's recent international engagements and Kenya's designation as a major non-NATO ally in sub-Saharan Africa, discontent with his leadership persists both domestically and internationally.