NAIROBI, Kenya — Violent protests against proposed tax increases in Kenya have resulted in the deaths of 23 people, with dozens more severely injured, health authorities reported Wednesday. As demonstrators clashed with law enforcement, hospitals, especially Kenyatta National Hospital, the region’s largest, have been overwhelmed, grappling with a surge of patients needing urgent care primarily for bullet wounds.
According to Simon Kigondu, president of the Kenya Medical Association, the Kenyatta National Hospital has paused all non-emergency operations to prioritize the victims of the protest. “Currently, six patients are in surgery, and another 24 are in critical condition, awaiting their turn,” Kigondu explained.
The rise in casualties comes amid ongoing unrest in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, which has been the epicenter of resistance against the controversial Finance Bill 2024. The legislation, which proposes significant tax hikes, has sparked widespread public outrage, leading to chaotic scenes of looting and severe property damage.
The police response to the protests has escalated to the extent that a suit has been filed against Kenya’s Defense Minister, Aden Duale. Accusations filed before High Court Judge Andrew Bahati Mwamuye by attorney Chrysostom Xavier Akhaabi of the Law Society of Kenya assert that Duale unjustifiably expedited the deployment of the Kenya Defense Forces to manage the protesters, who were largely unarmed.
Duale had declared a “security emergency” late Tuesday, following the deadly encounters. However, critics argue that his decision lacked a comprehensive justification for such extreme measures against civilian demonstrators.
As hospitals like Kenyatta National Hospital continue to report increased admissions, medical professionals fear the death toll could climb even higher. The health facility has converted many of its resources to treat injuries predominately associated with the protests, such as gunshot wounds.
Meanwhile, political developments continue to unfold, with President William Ruto taking action in response to the chaos engendered by the disputed bill. On Wednesday, reports emerged that President Ruto has refused to sign the Finance Bill 2024 into law and has instead returned it to Parliament suggesting amendments.
This political maneuver comes as Nairobi, along with other cities across Kenya, braces for more demonstrations, despite the heavy presence of security forces. The government is urged to find a resolution to calm the unrest and address the public’s growing discontent with the proposed fiscal changes.
The Law Society of Kenya has emphasized the need for a careful and transparent approach to handling the protests, urging for restraint from both protestors and law enforcement to avoid further casualties and deepen the crisis.
The ongoing turmoil presents a grim situation that not only challenges the country’s healthcare systems but also puts its governance and approach to civil unrest under intense scrutiny. Moving forward, how the authorities and the government handle the grievance of its citizens over the contentious tax reforms will be crucial in restoring peace and order.