Violent protests erupted across Kenya on Tuesday as demonstrators clashed with police over a contentious finance bill that proposes new tax hikes. The unrest escalated to the point in Nairobi, where protesters breached police barricades and stormed the parliamentary compound, setting sections of the building on fire.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission reported that police shot dead at least one protester near parliament, while AFP journalists observed three individuals lying motionless on the ground. Paramedics stated that at least ten people were killed and around 50 injured in the capital as police used tear gas, rubber bullets, and reportedly live ammunition to disperse crowds.
The younger Gen-Z-led protests have caught President William Ruto’s government off guard. Despite Ruto’s weekend statement expressing his willingness to talk to the protesters, tensions escalated dramatically on Tuesday afternoon.
Demonstrations weren’t limited to Nairobi; thousands also marched in Mombasa, Kisumu, and Eldoret. The nationwide rallies, with a call “7 Days of Rage,” are in response to the Finance Bill 2024, which protesters demand be scrapped due to concerns over rising living costs.
Meanwhile, Auma Obama, half-sister of former US President Barack Obama, was tear-gassed live on air during an interview with CNN. The incident occurred while she was speaking with a group of teenage protesters, highlighting the intensity of the police response.
As the situation continues to unfold, human rights organizations are calling for safe passage for medical personnel to treat the wounded.
Also Read: Kenya Tax Protests: One Killed, Over 200 Injured As Protests Turned Violent
