Article:
In another day of protests in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, police have used tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators who took to the streets to express their opposition to a controversial tax hike bill. The bill, which aimed to raise taxes on essential goods, sparked widespread anger among Kenyans.

On Thursday, hundreds of people gathered in Nairobi to demand the removal of President William Ruto. The protesters' turnout was lower than in previous days, following instances of violence during mass protests that resulted in the deaths of more than 20 individuals, as reported by human rights groups.

Soldiers were deployed, and police in anti-riot gear blocked access to areas leading to Ruto's office at State House and Parliament of Kenya as protesters marched towards Nairobi's central business district. Similar protests were also reported in the port city of Mombasa, Kisumu, Kisii, and Migori, where roadblocks were set up and fires were lit, according to televised reports.

The Kenya National Commission for Human Rights (KNCHR) took to social media to express concern over the use of live fire against civilians across the country, leading to deaths. However, the specific locations where these incidents occurred were not specified in the report.

Citizen TV news reported that seven individuals, two women, and five men, sustained gunshot wounds in Homa Bay Town in western Kenya. The individuals were shot by police while protesting and were immediately rushed to Homa Bay County Teaching and Referral Hospital for treatment.

The youth-led protests, which began last week, caught the government by surprise. President Ruto's response oscillated between taking a tough stance on the unrest and calling for dialogue. On Wednesday, Ruto declined to sign the tax changes into law and withdrew the bill, acknowledging the voice of the people and expressing the intention to engage with young protesters.

However, the demonstrators remain unsatisfied, viewing Ruto's reversal as too little, too late. They continued to rally in memory of those who lost their lives during the protests, criticizing the president's actions and calling for his resignation. Chants of "Ruto must go!" echoed through the streets of Nairobi throughout the day.

Protester Kasmuel McOure described Kenya as a country with profoundly dissatisfied youth, stating that it has turned into a military state. McOure emphasized the importance of the president listening to the people's demands and vowed to continue protesting until their voices are heard.

The situation in Nairobi remained tense, with sporadic clashes between protesters and police. However, moments of relative calm were also observed throughout the day. The ongoing protests reflect the deep-rooted grievances and frustrations felt by many Kenyan citizens, who believe their interests are not being adequately represented by the government.

As the protests continue, it remains to be seen how President Ruto and his government will address the demands of the demonstrators and foster a lasting solution to the issues that have ignited a nationwide movement for change.