Nairobi, Kenya — Police clashes with thousands of protesters rallying against proposed tax increases left at least five dead and dozens injured in Nairobi, marking a significant escalation in the nation’s unrest. The confrontations erupted after the Kenyan Parliament approved a contentious finance bill poised to raise taxes, drawing widespread criticism and public outcry across major cities.
The recent approval of the Finance Bill 2024, intended to generate additional revenue of $2.7 billion to help manage the country’s debt, has sparked a fierce backlash among citizens who contend that political corruption is exacerbating economic pressures on the average Kenyan. Amidst the chaos, Amnesty International reported 31 injuries and 52 arrests, with scenes of violence and agitation flooding social media.
In response to the escalating violence, Kenya’s armed forces were deployed to assist police operations, ostensibly to safeguard critical infrastructure and maintain public order. This military intervention follows intense confrontations near Nairobi City Hall, where human rights observers documented at least one protester being fatally shot.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission condemned the use of lethal force, labeling it “a grave violation of human rights” and demanded accountability for police actions. Various embassies, including those of the United States, Netherlands, and Germany, issued a joint statement expressing deep concern regarding the violence and the troubling incidents outside the Parliament, where protesters reportedly set part of the building on fire.
The response from the international community has been swift, with calls for restraint and dialogue to address the underlying issues leading to the protests. U.S. State Department spokesperson Matt Miller publicly mourned the loss of life and injuries, underscoring the need for peaceful resolution and engagement with civic leaders.
Demonstrations have not been limited to Nairobi; they have spread across the country, including President William Ruto’s hometown of Eldoret. The protests have been marked by allegations of abductions and disappearances related to the demonstrations, adding another layer of urgency to calls for peace and reform.
Kenya’s Chief Justice Martha Koome addressed these allegations, emphasizing that such actions strike at the very core of the rule of law and must be thoroughly investigated. Meanwhile, public figures and activists, including Auma Obama, half-sister to former U.S. President Barack Obama, have actively participated in the protests, further raising the profile of the demonstrations and attracting international media attention.
The government has signaled some willingness to revisit the finance law. Following last week’s protests, Ruto’s office announced potential amendments to the bill, reflecting public feedback and stakeholder engagement.
As Kenyans continue to grapple with these proposed financial changes, the outcry reflects broader concerns about governance, transparency, and the equitable distribution of national resources. With the government’s recent actions, the world watches closely as Kenya navigates these turbulent times, hoping for a resolution that restores peace and promotes economic justice.