Nairobi, Kenya — A series of violent protests gripped Kenya as demonstrators clashed with police over controversial tax hikes, leading to at least five deaths and setting a portion of the country’s parliament ablaze. The disorder intensified Tuesday when protestors overran security barriers and invaded parliamentary grounds amid the legislative approval of an amended finance bill incorporating multiple incremental taxes.
The heightened tensions saw protestors vandalizing and torching parts of the parliamentary complex. Critical items, including the ceremonial mace which represents the legislature’s authority, were reported stolen. These acts of vandalism occurred as parliamentarians passed new fiscal measures that have been widely unpopular among citizens.
Reacting to the day’s events, President William Ruto announced a stern crackdown, deploying military forces to restore order and denouncing the actions as criminal rather than legitimate protest. “The deployment of the necessary means to thwart any attempts by dangerous criminals to undermine our nation’s security and stability is now in effect,” stated Ruto during a Tuesday evening broadcast.
Law enforcement officers were reported to have used live ammunition to quell the protests, a response that has come under severe scrutiny. According to reports from the Kenya Medical bucking association, this resulted in multiple civilian casualties. Eyewitnesses and local media reported seeing bodies on the streets, raising concerns about the proportionality of the police’s response.
Among the cited grievances were tax increases on essential items like bread and sanitary products, which drew sharp criticism and disbelief from the populace. “The burden these taxes impose on ordinary Kenyans is unimaginable,” said Derrick Mwathu, a 24-year-old protestor. “It’s not justifiable to harshly tax basic necessities.”
Internationally, the situation in Kenya has prompted reactions from several foreign missions. Ambassadors and high commissioners from countries including Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, among others, have voiced their concerns. They issued a joint statement stressing the need for adherence to democratic principles and the rule of law and urged for dialogue and peaceful resolutions to the unrest.
The ongoing conflict represents a significant challenge for President Ruto’s administration, which now faces the dual task of managing the public dissent and mitigating any further escalation of violence. Observers note that the implementation of strategies that foster dialogue and address the economic concerns expressed by protestors could be pivotal in stabilizing the situation.
As Kenya stands at this volatile juncture, the international community remains watchful, hoping for a peaceful resolution that will secure the long-term stability and prosperity of the nation. The coming days are seen as crucial for the country’s path forward, both in terms of governance and in healing the wounds of these violent clashes.