Tax Hikes Protests
Kenyan President Deploys Military to Quell Protests Amid UN Concerns
Protests have led to the deaths of at least five people
NAIROBI, June 25, 2024 — In a dramatic escalation of the ongoing unrest in Kenya, President William Ruto has deployed the military to suppress nationwide protests against a controversial finance bill. The protests, which have been labeled "treasonous" by the government, have resulted in at least five fatalities and numerous injuries, drawing sharp criticism from international human rights organizations.
The unrest was sparked by the government's proposal to introduce new taxes aimed at raising an additional 302 billion shillings ($23 billion) for the upcoming budget year starting July 1. The proposed taxes include a 16% levy on bread and a 25% duty on cooking oil, among other measures. Despite some amendments to the bill, public anger has not abated, with many Kenyans feeling the government has not adequately addressed their concerns over the high cost of living and systemic corruption.
On Tuesday, thousands of protesters stormed Kenya's parliament, setting part of the building on fire and forcing lawmakers to flee. The demonstrators, predominantly young people, have been vocal in their demands for the complete abandonment of the tax plan. The protests quickly spread to other regions, with significant incidents reported in cities such as Mombasa and Kisumu.
The situation took a violent turn as police fired live ammunition and tear gas at the protesters. According to Amnesty Kenya, 31 people were injured, including 13 who were hit by live bullets. The Kenya Human Rights Commission condemned the use of excessive force by the police and called for accountability. "We urge President Ruto to intervene and halt the bloodshed," the commission stated.
The United Nations has also expressed deep concern over the violence. Jeremy Laurence, a spokesperson for the UN Human Rights Office, emphasized the need for thorough, independent, and transparent investigations into the deaths and injuries. "Those responsible must be held to account," Laurence said. He also called for the protection of the right to peaceful assembly, as guaranteed by the Kenyan Constitution and international human rights law.
President Ruto, who was attending an African Union gathering at the time of the protests, has vowed to prevent further violence "at whatever cost." In a televised address, he described the protests as an "attack on democracy" and reiterated his commitment to maintaining security. "We will not allow a few individuals to destabilize our nation," Ruto declared.
The deployment of the military has raised concerns among civil society groups and international observers. The Kenya Law Society highlighted cases of alleged abductions and disappearances, underscoring the gravity of the situation. "We are seeing not just abductions but disappearances," said Irũngũ Houghton, Executive Director of Amnesty Kenya.
The unrest in Kenya reflects deep-seated grievances among the populace, particularly the youth, who feel betrayed by Ruto's government. Ruto, who was elected on a platform of championing the poor, has faced criticism for failing to address the economic hardships faced by many Kenyans. The proposed tax hikes have only exacerbated these frustrations, leading to widespread calls for his resignation.
In addition to the domestic turmoil, Kenya's international commitments have come under scrutiny. A high court in Kenya recently blocked a UN-backed plan to send Kenyan police to Haiti to combat criminal gangs, citing concerns over the human rights record of the Kenyan police force. This move has further complicated the government's position, as it seeks to balance domestic stability with international obligations.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community is closely monitoring developments in Kenya. The UN has called for calm and encouraged open dialogue to address the underlying social, economic, and political grievances. "We appeal for calm and encourage constructive dialogue to find lasting solutions in the interests of all Kenyans," Laurence said.
The coming days will be critical for Kenya as it navigates this period of intense unrest. The government's response to the protests and its ability to address the root causes of the discontent will be crucial in determining the country's path forward. For now, the streets of Nairobi and other cities remain tense, with the specter of further violence looming large.