Kenyan General's Austerity Threat

In the wake of protests against election results in Kenya, escalating violence, and accusations of police brutality, the article focuses on the appointment of Major General Mohamed Farah Kahariri as the new Kenyan army commander. The appointment, made by President William Ruto, has occurred amidst a tense political climate where the legitimacy of the election is being challenged by opposition leader Raila Odinga. The protests, organized by Odinga, have resulted in casualties and raised concerns about human rights violations by the police. Odinga is calling for the resignation of President Ruto and a fresh election. The government has labeled the protests illegal and defended the police response. The article highlights concerns within Kenya regarding the potential for the military to become involved in suppressing dissent. Kahariri's remarks about exercising freedom within limits are interpreted as a potential sign that the military will enforce stricter control over protests. This comes after criticisms of the police response and a reluctance by some officers to use lethal force. The article suggests the military intervention may signal a shift towards a more forceful approach to maintaining order, potentially impacting civil liberties and further escalating the political turmoil. find the original article here: https://www.wsws.org/en/articles/2025/04/01/joya-a01.html