At least 17 dead in Kenya protests against tax hikes

At least 17 people died this Tuesday in Kenya in serious protests against a new bill that contemplates tax increasesafter a day of unprecedented mobilizations in the recent history of the country that led to the assault on Parliament, confirmed to EFE a platform made up of twenty NGOs.

What does the president say?

President William Ruto he responded by ordering an increase in security measures to confront what he described as “dangerous criminals” who infiltrated the protests. The protests, which began peacefully against the 2024 Finance Bill, escalated into deadly clashes in several parts of the country, including Nairobi.

The president described the assault on parliament as a threat to national security and assured the population that the riots that occurred will not happen again.

The violence peaked when protesters They broke into Parliament, setting parts of the building on fire while demanding the withdrawal of the project. The Police responded with tear gas and, finally, live ammunition to contain the assault.

“Today Kenya experienced an unprecedented attack on its democracy, the rule of law and the integrity of its constitutional institutions”President Ruto declared in a televised address to the country from State House in Nairobi.

What was the bill looking for?

The bill, that seeks to increase tax collection to reduce the budget deficithas been criticized by protesters and opposition leaders as an additional burden on the already impoverished population. Despite the Government’s promises to amend the text, protests have continued to gain strength.

The bill aims to raise $2.7 billion additional payments as part of an effort to alleviate the heavy debt burden.

The embassies of thirteen Western countries expressed their dismay at the violence and reminded the Kenyan Government of its obligation to respect the right to peaceful protestwhile urging all parties to seek dialogue as the only way to resolve the crisis.

In addition to the 17 confirmed deaths, Hundreds of people were injured or detained during clashes that have shaken the country since last week. The partial internet shutdown since afternoon today has added an element of uncertainty and tension to the already volatile situation in Kenya.

The protests, organized largely through social media, have highlighted the growing influence of Kenyan youth in national politicsmarking a significant change with respect to historical demonstrations led by traditional political figures.

Kenya’s immediate future remains uncertain as government and protesters They maintain conflicting positions on the bill that has unleashed one of the most serious crises in the country’s recent history.