Nairobi, Kenya — Violent clashes erupted in Kenya’s capital as police reportedly used live ammunition against demonstrators protesting against proposed tax increases, resulting in multiple casualties. The protests, which have recently escalated, saw at least five individuals killed and 31 wounded on Tuesday alone. According to Amnesty International, police forces clashed violently with protesters, leading to the deaths and a significant number of injuries in Nairobi.
The unrest has also led to the arrest of over 50 individuals participating in the demonstrations, which have continued to grow in intensity over the last few days. Anger has been mounting across Kenya following the introduction of a new finance bill, perceived by many as a heavy burden on both individuals and businesses in the country.
The bill has sparked widespread controversy for its provisions that include increased taxes affecting everyday commodities and services amidst an already challenging economic environment. Despite the government’s decision to withdraw some of the contentious proposals, dissatisfaction among the public has continued to swell, with calls for the entire bill to be scrapped.
This public dissatisfaction recently escalated into a dire situation when a group of protesters forcibly entered the parliament building in Nairobi, a portion of which was set on fire. Social media platforms and local news channels circulated images and videos of the chaos, showing some protesters suffering from what appeared to be gunshot wounds.
The demonstrations extend beyond Nairobi, with reports of significant unrest in other cities including Nakuru, Mombasa, and Eldoret. The widespread protests underline the deep-rooted frustration among Kenyans who argue that the proposed tax increases on essential items like eggs, onions, and cooking oil would exacerbate the cost of living crisis.
As the situation continues to evolve, President William Ruto announced plans to address the nation regarding the protests and the contentious finance bill. This announcement comes as demands from protesters begin to broaden, with some calling for President Ruto’s resignation over his handling of the economic policies and the violent suppression of the protest by security forces.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission has added its voice to the growing international concern, condemning the actions of the police and calling for accountability. They reported witnessing the fatal shooting of a protester and demanded an immediate investigation into the use of live ammunition against demonstrators.
Within the judiciary, Chief Justice Martha Koome issued a statement denouncing recent police actions and the alleged abductions of protesters. Emphasizing the imperative of constitutional rights, including the rights to assembly and protest, she called for all agencies within the justice sector to adhere strictly to the rule of law and uphold human rights standards.
As the country stands on the precipice of further unrest, international observers continue to watch closely, recognizing the broader implications of these protests on Kenya’s governance, economic stability, and human rights landscape.