Nairobi, Kenya — The capital of Kenya was gripped by chaos on Tuesday as police reportedly opened fire on protesters, killing at least five amid widespread demonstrations against new tax proposals. Amnesty International reported the deaths and noted that 31 individuals were injured in the confrontations which also saw at least 52 people arrested.
The protests, which have now spanned several days, began as an outcry against a controversial finance bill that citizens argue threatens to increase the cost of living, amid already high economic strains. The bill has been widely criticized for provisions believed to impose significant burdens on the populace and businesses. Despite the government withdrawing some of the proposed tax measures, the move has done little to dampen the surge of displeasure spreading across the nation.
Scores of demonstrators made their way into the Kenyan parliament during the protests, setting fire to a section of the building, signaling a deep-seated resentment and growing desperation among the populace. Images and videos circulating on the internet illustrate the violence of the day, with some protesters shown suffering from bullet wounds.
The situation drew comments from across the globe and heightened statements of concern from local human rights organizations. The Kenya Human Human Rights Commission condemned the police’s actions, recording on video police shooting at protesters. The agency called these actions “a grave violation of human rights” and pledged to seek justice and accountability.
Amidst the unrest, the protesters’ demands have evolved from solely focusing on the finance bill to calling for the resignation of President William Ruto. His administration has argued that the tax hikes are necessary to address the country’s significant debt and finance development projects. However, the protesters counter that the cost of basic goods—such as eggs, onions, and cooking oil—will become unaffordable under the new tax mandates.
As the demonstrations extended to other cities, including Nakuru, Mombasa, and Eldoret, President Ruto prepared to address the nation in an attempt to quell the rising tensions.
In her response to the current issues, Chief Justice Martha Koome issued a stern rebuke over the alleged wrongful arrests and abductions of protesters, highlighting a worrying assault on the nation’s rule of law and human rights. Justice Koome emphasized that the rights enshrined in the Constitution must be upheld, asserting that deviations could lead to anarchy and lawlessness.
The protests have clearly tapped into deep-seated frustrations among Kenyans, concerning not only the immediate economic impacts of the proposed taxes but broader accusations of insensitive governance and misuse of authority. As tensions continue, the nation, international observers, and human rights bodies watch keenly, hoping for a resolution that restores peace and addresses the economic concerns of Kenya’s ordinary citizens.