Kenya was thrown into chaos following violent protests over a finance bill recommending tax hikes. The mainly youth-led demonstrations began peacefully, but turned deadly as tensions escalated. Police fired live rounds on crowds who breached the Parliament building in Nairobi, resulting in five deaths and more than 30 injuries. In response, the government deployed the military to assist the police in managing the security emergency.
The passing of the contentious finance bill by lawmakers further fueled the unrest in the country, amidst rising anger over the cost-of-living crisis. President William Ruto’s government faced unexpected opposition to its tax proposals, culminating in the shocking scenes at Parliament captured live on television. The government promised a tough stance against violence and anarchy, with Ruto condemning some protesters as “criminals.”
The chaotic scenes at Parliament, with crowds breaking through barricades and ransacking the building, shocked many Kenyans. Burned furniture and smashed windows littered the premises, highlighting the intensity of the protests. As police clashed with demonstrators, protest organizers urged people to walk home together and stay safe. While other rallies in various cities remained peaceful earlier in the day, the violence in Nairobi captured international attention.
The deployment of the army marked a significant escalation in the government’s response to the unrest. Defence Minister Aden Bare Duale announced that the military would support the police in tackling the security emergency, hinting at the seriousness of the situation. The government’s surprise at the level of opposition to the tax proposals was evident, with internet services even crashing due to the unrest. Kenya experienced a major disruption in online access, further highlighting the impact of the protests.
Despite the violence and chaos, protesters continued to demonstrate in various parts of Kenya, with Nairobi expecting more rallies in the coming days. The government’s handling of the situation and the deployment of the military raised concerns about potential further clashes and the need for a peaceful resolution. The country remained on edge as the aftermath of the violent protests played out, with questions arising about the underlying issues driving the unrest. Kenya faced a challenging road ahead in addressing the grievances that led to the protests and finding a way to move forward towards stability and peace.
