In a dramatic escalation of public unrest, Kenyan police opened fire on protesters who stormed the country’s parliament on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least five people and numerous injuries. The protests, led primarily by young Kenyans, were sparked by proposed tax increases that critics say will exacerbate the economic hardships faced by ordinary citizens.
The protests began a week ago in Nairobi and have since spread to other cities across Kenya. The demonstrators, who organized largely through social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, are demanding that President William Ruto withdraw a bill that introduces significant tax hikes. These measures are part of a broader strategy to manage the country’s growing debt crisis but have been met with widespread opposition from a populace already grappling with rising prices for everyday essentials.
Footage from Kenya’s Citizen TV showed chaotic scenes outside the parliament, with smoke rising from one section of the building and police in riot gear confronting protesters. Several lawmakers were seen exiting the parliament through an underground tunnel, visibly affected by tear gas used by the police.
In an evening address, President Ruto condemned the violence, distinguishing between peaceful protesters and what he described as “organized criminals” who had hijacked the demonstrations. He defended the actions of the security forces, emphasizing that the government would use all resources available to prevent such incidents from recurring. “Most regrettably, today’s attack on Kenya’s constitutional order has resulted in the loss of lives, also destruction of property and desecration of institutions and emblems of our sovereignty,” Ruto stated, without specifying the exact number of casualties.
Local rights groups and international organizations, including Amnesty International and the Kenya Medical Association, reported that at least five people had been shot dead while providing aid to injured protesters. This has further fueled public outrage and calls for accountability.
The proposed tax increases, which include levies on imported sanitary products, diapers, phones, and computers, are part of a bailout agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) aimed at preventing a default on Kenya’s substantial debt. Last year, the government allocated 55% of its revenue to servicing debt, underscoring the severity of the financial situation. Despite President Ruto’s recent amendments to the bill, such as removing a 16% tax on bread and excise duties on vegetable oil, the proposed measures remain deeply unpopular.
The unrest has caught the attention of the international community, with ambassadors from six Western countries, including the U.S., the U.K., and Germany, expressing deep concern over the violence and reports of abductions. They emphasized that Kenya’s constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protests and called for a measured response from the government.
In response to the escalating situation, the Kenyan military was deployed to support the police, and a police helicopter was used to disperse protesters. Despite these efforts, demonstrators managed to maintain a presence in the streets, driven by frustration over the high cost of living and economic mismanagement.
Eyewitness accounts from the protests describe scenes of determination and desperation. Alex Ssenoga, a taxi driver who participated in the demonstrations, recounted the relentless efforts of the crowd despite heavy tear gas usage by the police. “People are so tired. The cost of living is unbearable,” he said.
The situation remains tense, with further protests likely as the government balances the need to address the debt crisis with growing public discontent. The events in Kenya highlight the broader challenges faced by nations grappling with economic instability and the measures they take to address such crises.
As the Kenyan government faces a critical juncture, the world watches closely, concerned about both the immediate and long-term implications of these protests and the government’s response.