Nairobi: The Indian Embassy in Kenya has issued an advisory for its nationals in the African nation, asking them to exercise utmost caution and restrict non-essential movement amidst the ongoing unrest.
Kenya’s capital Nairobi and other cities across the country witnessed demonstrations and violence which erupted after the Kenyan parliament passed a controversial bill that proposed to increase taxes, further aggravating the nation’s already dire cost-of-living crisis.
“In view of the prevailing tense situation, all Indians in Kenya are advised to exercise utmost caution, restrict non-essential movement and avoid the areas affected by the protests and violence till the situation clears up,” the Indian consulate in Kenya said in an advisory posted on social media platform X.
As per media reports, security forces resorted to using tear gas, water cannons, and firing shots above the heads of protesters in order to disperse the crowds.
In response, protestors pelted stones at the cops. As the parliamentary debate on the tax bill began, riot police surrounded the parliament building and the State House, which serves as the president’s office and residence.Â
The controversial bill was ultimately passed, and the parliament subsequently adjourned, even as protesters assembled outside the building. The protest reflects the rising discontent among Kenyans, opposing the tax hikes. The protesters are also demanding the resignation of President William Ruto.
The African nation is currently facing a severe economic crisis, and the new tax measures have further fueled anger and frustration among the people.
Chaos unfolded in Kenya on Tuesday after a part of the parliament building was set on fire after a mammoth gathering, protesting against a new finance bill, entered and legislators fled. It was seen as the most direct assault on the government in decades.
The demonstrators were demanding that legislators vote against the bill proposing to hike taxes in a country where frustrations over the high cost of living have simmered for years. According to media reports, at least five protestors have been killed so far and over 150 others sustained injuries amid the unrest in East Africa’s economic hub.
