The situation in Kenya has escalated this week following protests against a controversial tax reform bill, resulting in the loss of at least five lives. President William Ruto has stated that maintaining security is his top priority amidst the chaos, with clashes between police and demonstrators in multiple cities.
The initially peaceful protests intensified when demonstrators attempted to enter the parliament in Nairobi, leading to clashes with the police who fired on the crowd. Similar scenes unfolded across the country, with widespread calls for President Ruto’s resignation and a reversal of the tax increases.
In Nairobi, the turmoil grew as protesters briefly took control of the parliament compound, leading to significant damage, including a partial fire. The president addressed the nation on television, condemning the violence and vowing a swift and decisive response to restore order.
Amid the chaos, police used tear gas and water cannons, but these measures proved ineffective. Lawmakers were evacuated through an underground tunnel, highlighting the severity of the crisis, while the Defense Minister announced the deployment of the army to manage what he described as a “security emergency.”
The violence has resulted in significant destruction and loss of life, with at least five fatalities among the demonstrators and numerous injuries. The unrest comes at a difficult time for President Ruto, who is facing pressure to address the country’s economic challenges while fulfilling the demands of international lenders.
The finance bill at the center of the protests aims to raise additional taxes to alleviate the country’s debt burden, which consumes a significant portion of its annual revenue in interest payments alone. Despite some concessions from the government, including scrapping proposed taxes on essential goods, many feel these measures are insufficient given the broader economic challenges facing the country. Internationally, the crisis has drawn concern, with calls for calm and restraint from all involved parties. The unrest has also disrupted internet services across Kenya, affecting communication during this period.
