Tragic Unrest Erupts in Kenya Amidst Anti-Tax Protests

At least thirteen individuals have been reported dead during the recent protests in Kenya opposing tax hikes, according to a statement from a medical association announced on Wednesday.

The number of casualties surged following a day of unrest that escalated when demonstrators clashed violently with law enforcement, who resorted to firing live ammunition as protesters breached the parliamentary gates.

Witnessing the unexpected upheaval—marked by parts of the parliament engulfed in flames and numerous injuries—has left many Kenyans in disbelief. In response, President William Ruto’s administration has mobilized military forces to assist with the chaos.

Initially, the protests led primarily by youth unfolded peacefully, with thousands taking to the streets in Nairobi and beyond, expressing discontent over rising taxes.

Yet, tensions rapidly escalated on Tuesday afternoon as police began firing live rounds into the throngs, with some demonstrators storming the parliament complex.

In a timely announcement, Defense Minister Aden Bare Duale stated that the army had been called in to aid the police amid what he termed “a security emergency.”

Simon Kigondu, head of the Kenya Medical Association, expressed grave concern: “We’ve recorded at least 13 fatalities, though this figure could rise further.” He emphasized he had not witnessed “this magnitude of violence against defenseless citizens before.”

The Standard newspaper’s front-page headline screamed “Deaths and Mayhem,” while Daily Nation characterized the pandemonium with the words: “The foundations of the country have been shaken to the core.”

At Kenyatta National Hospital, doctors reported tending to approximately 160 patients, with injuries ranging from soft tissue trauma to gunshot wounds.

During a late-night address, Ruto vowed to adopt a stringent approach towards “anarchy and violence,” likening certain demonstrators to “criminals.”

“It is unacceptable that alleged peaceful protesters can instill terror upon the populace, their elected officials, and the constitutional institutions without facing consequences,” he asserted firmly.

The unexpected ferocity of the backlash against the government’s tax proposals—largely spearheaded by young Kenyans from Gen-Z—caught officials off guard and played out live on national television.

Images broadcasted on local stations revealed the parliamentary building ransacked, with charred furniture and shattered windows.

As law enforcement fired into the seething crowds, bodies lay strewn amidst the chaos. Protest organizers urged attendees to return home in groups to ensure safety.

‘Complete Mayhem’

On Wednesday morning, a heavy police presence secured the area around parliament, with lingering tear gas fumes permeating the air.

A policeman stationed by the ruined barriers confessed to observing the chaotic events unfold on televised reports, exclaiming, “It was complete mayhem; we hope for peace today.”

Initially, raucous demonstrations across various Kenyan cities remained largely under control, but situation imploded later in Nairobi, with projectiles launched at police, who retaliated using tear gas and water cannons before resorting to gunfire.

AFP reporters witnessed three individuals suffering significant injuries, lying motionless on the ground near the parliament.

‘Unyielding Brutality’

Concern regarding the unrest has reverberated globally, with the White House urging restraint. Over ten Western nations—including Canada, Germany, and the UK—voiced their shock at the disturbing scenes near Kenya’s Parliament.

Both U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and African Union Commission Chairman Moussa Faki Mahamat aired their deep worries about the situation.

Veteran opposition figure Raila Odinga, at the forefront of the Azimio coalition, condemned the government for unleashing “brutal force upon our youth.”

Human rights organizations have also accused authorities of detaining demonstrators unlawfully.

Authorities have not yet responded to AFP’s inquiries for clarification.

Economic Strain

Long-standing frustrations over the escalating cost of living erupted as lawmakers debated the proposed tax increases included in the 2024 finance bill.

The government, grappling with significant financial constraints, insists these tax raises are essential to manage a crippling national debt approximating 10 trillion shillings (around $78 billion), equivalent to roughly 70% of Kenya’s GDP.

After retracting several contentious proposals—many that would have adversely affected basic needs like bread purchases and car ownership—the government now aims to raise fuel taxes and export duties instead.

Kenya’s finance ministry has issued a warning regarding a looming budget deficit of 200 billion shillings, following President Ruto’s reversal of certain tax hikes.

Despite Kenya’s status as one of East Africa’s more vibrant economies, a staggering one-third of its 52 million residents live in poverty.