Local media in Nairobi reported that a man died from a gunshot wound to his thigh during a riot police crackdown in Kenya. Over 200 people were injured and more than 100 were arrested in protests against government tax hike plans. Rights groups, including Amnesty International, stated that at least 105 protesters were arrested in a violent crackdown that involved tear gas, water cannon, and rubber bullets. Additionally, in Nairobi, 200 people were injured with injuries like soft tissue injuries, tear gas inhalation, being hit by cars while running from police, and casualties from rubber bullets. Live rounds were also implied by spent cartridges found at the scene.
The groups involved in the statement called for the National Police Service to avoid using excessive force, intimidation, and unlawful arrests of Kenyans. Protests against the budget proposals, which aim to raise $2.7 billion in additional taxes, spread to 19 out of 47 counties in Kenya. The central business district of Nairobi came to a halt as riot police on horseback deployed tear gas canisters and water cannon against demonstrators. Protesters started their demonstrations on Tuesday, demanding lawmakers vote against the legislation that would burden salaried Kenyans, entrepreneurs, and consumers. They accuse President William Ruto’s administration of breaking promises to reduce taxes and lower the cost of living.
The new taxes include a 2.75 percent levy on income for the national medical insurance plan, as well as increased taxes on vegetable oil and fuel. These increases would impact production costs and pass on to consumers. While some proposals, like a 16 percent value-added tax on bread and a new annual tax on motor vehicles, were removed after discussions with Ruto and governing party members, protesters felt the amendments were insufficient. They called for legislators to reject the budget legislation entirely. Despite the protests, the finance bill passed its second reading in parliament, with a third and final reading scheduled for the following week. The bill must be passed by June 30.
The demonstrations have ignited widespread discontent among Kenyans who have been calling for the government to reduce taxes and the cost of living. Protests have disrupted daily life in Nairobi and other parts of the country as citizens express their frustration with the proposed tax hikes. The violent crackdown by riot police has raised concerns about excessive use of force and arbitrary arrests, leading to calls for accountability and respect for human rights. As tensions continue to rise, the government faces mounting pressure to address the grievances of the protesters and work towards a resolution that is acceptable to all parties involved.
The widespread protests highlight the growing dissatisfaction with the government’s economic policies and the impact they have on the daily lives of Kenyans. The proposed tax hikes have sparked outrage and mobilized citizens to take to the streets in protest. The use of force by riot police has only further escalated tensions and drawn international attention to the situation in Kenya. It remains to be seen how the government will respond to the demands of the protesters and whether they will make any concessions to address their concerns. In the meantime, the people of Kenya are determined to continue their fight for a fair and just economic system that benefits all members of society.
