Recent protests in Kenya against a new tax hike have escalated into severe violence, resulting in multiple casualties. As per the reports, at least five people were killed and 31 were injured during the protests on Tuesday.
This information was provided in a joint statement by several human rights groups, including Amnesty International Kenya, the Kenya Medical Association, the Law Society of Kenya, and the Police Reforms Working Group Kenya.
The joint statement highlighted that despite government assurances to protect the right to assembly, the protests turned violent. Human rights observers and medical personnel reported numerous human rights violations.
Specifically, five individuals were shot dead, 13 were injured by live bullets, four by rubber bullets, and three were hit with launcher canisters. As of now, the Kenyan police have not released an official statement regarding these incidents.
International reactions have been strong
Thirteen Western embassies in Kenya expressed their shock and concern over the violence in a joint statement. These embassies, including those from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Sweden, the United Kingdom, and the United States, condemned the scenes witnessed outside the Kenyan Parliament.
They also raised serious concerns about allegations that some protesters had been abducted by security forces and called for restraint from all parties involved.
Adding to the turmoil, internet connectivity in Kenya has been significantly disrupted. The internet watchdog group NetBlocks reported major disruptions just hours after protesters marched towards Parliament. Despite this, Kenya’s Communications Authority stated on Monday that it had no plans to shut down internet traffic or interfere with connectivity.
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The protests were sparked by a controversial bill introduced by President William Ruto’s government in May. The bill aims to raise revenue and limit borrowing in an economy burdened by heavy debt.
However, it has faced strong opposition from Kenyans, who argue that it imposes punitive new taxes and raises existing ones on a wide range of goods and services, thereby increasing living costs. Critics have also pointed to corruption and mismanagement of funds as underlying issues.
President Ruto now has two weeks to either sign the bill into law or send it back to Parliament for further amendments.
The violent protests have also drawn international attention and concern. The Indian Embassy in Kenya has issued an advisory for its nationals, urging them to exercise utmost caution, restrict non-essential movement, and avoid areas affected by the protests and violence.
The High Commission of India in Kenya issues advisory for Indian Nationals in the country in view of the prevailing tense situation. pic.twitter.com/GZNd5ngw5f
— ANI (@ANI) June 25, 2024
In a particularly dramatic incident, Auma Obama, the half-sister of former US President Barack Obama, was teargassed live on air while speaking with CNN alongside a group of teenage protesters. Auma Obama, a Kenyan-British activist, was participating in the protests when the incident occurred.
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