Nairobi, Kenya – Violent clashes erupted on Wednesday as Kenyan police fired tear gas at opposition demonstrators who defied a ban on rallies to protest against skyrocketing prices and new government taxes.

The capital city of Nairobi was under heavy police surveillance, with shops closed in response to the unrest.

In the impoverished Mathare slum, demonstrators clashed with police, throwing stones as officers responded with tear gas to disperse the crowds.

Similar confrontations occurred in the southern port city of Mombasa, where authorities also employed tear gas to quell the protests.

The head of Kenya’s national police force had issued a ban on opposition-led demonstrations the previous day, citing the opposition’s failure to inform the authorities about their plans.

The ban was accompanied by an appeal to the public not to participate in these “illegal gatherings.”

Last Friday, demonstrations against President William Ruto’s government had taken place in several cities, prompted by a call from opposition leader Raila Odinga.

In Nairobi, police fired tear gas at Odinga’s convoy, while similar measures were employed to disperse rallies in Mombasa and Kisumu.

Tragically, at least three individuals lost their lives during the protests, according to hospital and police sources.

Kenya’s National Human Rights Commission has called for a comprehensive investigation into all reported instances of alleged “police brutality.”

On Saturday, activists reported that police deployed tear gas against civil society representatives, including former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, who were demanding the release of dozens of individuals arrested during the protests.

Raila Odinga’s Azimio alliance has announced plans to organize weekly demonstrations against the policies of President William Ruto’s government.

Odinga, who lost the August 2022 presidential election to Ruto, claims that the election was “stolen” from him.

In early July, President Ruto signed into law a finance bill that introduced several new taxes, despite criticism from the opposition and a population grappling with high inflation.

Among the controversial measures is an increase in value-added tax (VAT) on fuel from 8% to 16% and an unpopular levy on salaries to fund a low-cost housing program.

Initially proposed at 3%, the salary levy has been reduced to 1.5% in response to public outcry.

As tensions continue to simmer, the government faces mounting pressure to address the grievances of its citizens and find a resolution to the ongoing crisis.

Jealousy and trust issues can be major sources of conflict in any relationship, whether it is a romantic partnership, a friendship, or a family relationship. These emotions can cause one or both partners to feel insecure, anxious, and unhappy, which can eventually lead to the breakdown of the relationship. Therefore, it is important to learn how to deal with jealousy and trust issues in a relationship in a healthy and constructive way.

Here are some tips on how to deal with jealousy and trust issues in a relationship:

Understand the Root Cause of Jealousy and Trust Issues

Jealousy and trust issues usually stem from past experiences, such as being cheated on or betrayed by a partner or loved one. However, they can also be caused by insecurities and fears that have developed over time, such as fear of abandonment or fear of not being good enough. It is important to understand the root cause of these emotions in order to address them effectively.

Communicate Openly and Honestly

Communication is key when it comes to dealing with jealousy and trust issues in a relationship. It is important to express your feelings to your partner in a calm and respectful manner, and to listen to their perspective as well. Honesty and transparency are essential in building trust in a relationship, so it is important to be open about your thoughts and feelings.

Build Trust Over Time

Trust is not built overnight. It takes time and effort to develop a strong foundation of trust in a relationship. One way to build trust is to follow through on your promises and commitments. Another way is to be reliable and consistent in your behavior. Small gestures such as calling or texting to check in, being on time for dates, and keeping your partner in the loop about your plans can all help to build trust over time.

Avoid Comparisons and Insecurities

Comparisons and insecurities can fuel jealousy and trust issues in a relationship. It is important to focus on your own strengths and to appreciate your partner for who they are. Avoid comparing yourself to others or to past partners, and try not to dwell on insecurities that may be unfounded or irrational. Instead, focus on building a strong relationship based on mutual respect and trust.

Work on Self-Improvement

Jealousy and trust issues can be caused by a lack of self-confidence or self-esteem. Working on self-improvement can help to alleviate these emotions and create a stronger sense of self. This can include activities such as exercise, meditation, therapy, or taking up a new hobby. When you feel good about yourself, you are less likely to feel jealous or insecure in your relationship.

Practice Forgiveness

Forgiveness is an important part of any healthy relationship. It is inevitable that mistakes will be made, and forgiveness is necessary in order to move forward. This includes forgiving yourself for any mistakes you may have made, as well as forgiving your partner for theirs. Holding onto resentment and anger will only serve to further damage the relationship, so it is important to practice forgiveness and let go of any negative emotions.

Seek Professional Help

Sometimes, jealousy and trust issues can be too difficult to manage on your own. If you find that your emotions are interfering with your ability to maintain a healthy relationship, it may be time to seek professional help. A therapist or counselor can provide valuable insight and guidance on how to deal with these emotions in a healthy and constructive way.

Show Appreciation

Showing appreciation to your partner is a great way to build trust and strengthen your relationship. It can be as simple as saying thank you or expressing gratitude for the little things your partner does.

Don’t Let Social Media Fuel Jealousy

In today’s digital age, social media can be a breeding ground for jealousy and insecurity. It is important to recognize that social media is often a highlight reel and not an accurate reflection of reality. Comparing yourself to others on social media can be detrimental to your self-esteem and your relationship. Try to limit your social media use and focus on building a strong relationship in the real world.

Don’t Let Jealousy and Trust Issues Define Your Relationship

While jealousy and trust issues can be challenging to deal with, it is important not to let them define your relationship. Remember that relationships are built on trust, respect, and communication. By working together with your partner and focusing on building a strong foundation of trust. You can overcome jealousy and trust issues and create a healthy, fulfilling relationship.

In conclusion, dealing with jealousy and trust issues in a relationship requires patience, effort, and a willingness to work through difficult emotions. By understanding the root cause of these emotions, communicating openly and honestly, building trust over time, practicing self-improvement, celebrating milestones together, and seeking professional help if necessary, you can create a strong and healthy relationship based on mutual respect and trust. Remember that relationships take work, but the rewards of a fulfilling and loving partnership are worth it.

You may want to read: How to maintain a healthy long-term relationship

Maintaining a healthy long-term relationship can be a challenging task, but it is not impossible. In fact, with some effort and commitment, it is possible to keep the spark alive in a relationship for years to come. In this article, we will discuss some essential tips that can help you maintain a healthy and happy long-term relationship.

Communication

Communication is the cornerstone of any successful relationship. Without proper communication, misunderstandings can quickly arise, leading to frustration, anger, and resentment. Therefore, it is crucial to communicate with your partner effectively. This means listening to them actively, expressing your thoughts and feelings clearly, and being respectful at all times.

One way to improve communication in a relationship is to set aside time each day to talk. It can be as simple as discussing your day or sharing your thoughts and feelings about a particular topic. When you make communication a priority, it will become a habit, and you will find it easier to discuss any issues that arise in your relationship.

Trust

Trust is another critical component of a healthy long-term relationship. It can take time to build trust, but once you have it, it can help strengthen your relationship. To build trust, it is essential to be honest with your partner, keep your promises, and avoid doing anything that could damage the trust between you.

If trust has been broken in your relationship, it is important to work together to repair it. This may involve talking openly about the issue, acknowledging the hurt that was caused, and making a commitment to change your behavior in the future.

Respect

Respect is a fundamental element of any healthy relationship. It means treating your partner with kindness, consideration, and understanding, even when you disagree with them. When you show respect to your partner, you are acknowledging their feelings and opinions, and you are valuing their contribution to the relationship.

To maintain respect in your relationship, it is important to listen to your partner without interrupting, avoid making derogatory comments or criticizing them, and make an effort to understand their perspective. When you treat your partner with respect, they are more likely to do the same for you, creating a positive cycle of mutual respect.

Quality time

Spending quality time with your partner is crucial to maintaining a healthy long-term relationship. This means setting aside time for each other, away from distractions and daily responsibilities, to focus on your relationship. Whether it’s a date night, a weekend getaway, or just a quiet evening at home, spending quality time together can help strengthen your connection.

When you spend time together, make an effort to connect on a deeper level. This can involve discussing your hopes and dreams for the future, sharing your thoughts and feelings about your relationship, or just enjoying each other’s company without any distractions.

Compromise

Compromise is an essential part of any successful long-term relationship. It means being willing to give and take, to find a solution that works for both of you. When you compromise, you are acknowledging that your partner’s needs and wants are just as important as your own.

To compromise effectively, it is important to listen to your partner’s perspective. Identify areas where you can give a little, and be willing to make concessions to reach a mutually beneficial solution. When both partners are willing to compromise, it can help prevent conflicts from escalating and lead to a stronger, more harmonious relationship.

Appreciation

Expressing appreciation for your partner is another important element of a healthy long-term relationship. It means acknowledging their contributions to the relationship, whether big or small, and expressing gratitude for their efforts. When you show appreciation, you are letting your partner know that you value them and that you recognize their importance in your life.

To show appreciation, you can do small things like saying thank you or showing affection, or larger gestures like planning a surprise or celebrating a special occasion. The key is to be genuine and heartfelt in your expressions of appreciation, and to make it a regular part of your relationship.

Intimacy

Intimacy is an important part of any romantic relationship. It involves physical, emotional, and mental closeness, and can help strengthen the bond between partners. To maintain intimacy in a long-term relationship, it is important to make time for physical affection, emotional connection, and intellectual stimulation.

This can involve things like holding hands, cuddling, or engaging in sexual activity, as well as sharing your thoughts and feelings with each other, and engaging in stimulating conversations or activities that you both enjoy. When you prioritize intimacy in your relationship, it can help keep the spark alive and create a deeper, more fulfilling connection.

Forgiveness

No relationship is perfect, and there will inevitably be times when one partner makes a mistake or does something hurtful. When this happens, it is important to practice forgiveness. Forgiveness means letting go of resentment, anger, and blame, and making a conscious effort to move forward in a positive way.

To practice forgiveness, it is important to acknowledge the hurt that was caused, express your feelings in a constructive way, and work together to find a solution or a way to move forward. When both partners are willing to forgive and let go of past hurts, it can help create a more harmonious and positive relationship.

Self-care

Finally, it is important to practice self-care in a long-term relationship. This means taking care of your physical, emotional, and mental health, and making time for your own interests and hobbies. When you prioritize your own well-being, you are better able to show up as your best self in your relationship.

Self-care can involve things like exercise, healthy eating, mindfulness practices, or engaging in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment. When you take care of yourself, you are also setting a positive example for your partner. It also means that you are showing them that you value yourself and your relationship.

In conclusion, maintaining a healthy long-term relationship requires effort, commitment, and a willingness to grow and evolve together. By prioritizing communication, trust, respect, quality time, compromise, appreciation, intimacy, forgiveness, and self-care, you can create a strong and fulfilling relationship that lasts a lifetime. Remember, no relationship is perfect, and there will inevitably be challenges along the way. But when you approach these challenges with love, patience, and understanding, you can overcome them together and create a relationship that is truly special.