People reeled from tear gas during a protest over police violence against demonstrators opposing Kenya’s 2024/2025 finance bill in Nairobi on June 27. REUTERS/Monicah Mwangi Purchase Licensing Rights
Despite the Kenyan president’s backpedal on tax hikes, protests flared nationwide on Thursday, with fatalities reported in skirmishes near Nairobi. Police opened fire in other locations.
Even after President William Ruto shelved the tax increase, unrest continued in Nairobi, Mombasa, Kisumu, and more. Though somewhat dwindled, crowds demanded his resignation.
Police unleashed tear gas on protestors in Nairobi and closed routes to the presidential residence. In Homa Bay, western Kenya, cops fired at a mob trying to set police vehicles ablaze.
“I can confirm seven folks hospitalized with gunshot holes. Officers fired when protesters tried torching police cars,” stated Hassan Barua, Migori’s police commander.
The Standard newspaper reported twin deaths as police entangled with anti-tax protestors looting supermarkets in Ongata Rongai, Nairobi’s outskirts. Police were mum on the issue.
A day post bill withdrawal, chaos ensued in parliament with at least 23 deaths, and Ruto faces a critical blow in his presidency. The youth-led protest grew from online rage to street upheaval.
Scrapping the taxes hits Ruto’s strategy to trim budget deficit and debt, as demanded by entities like the IMF.
Medics for Kenya deplored violence against their volunteers affected by tear gas outside Jamia Mosque/Crescent hospital.
Army vehicles appeared on streets post government deploying military support for police, Reuters observed.
“Involving the military isn’t kosher, we ain’t at war. We’re peaceful,” said John Ngugi, a motorbike taxi driver.
The high court tossed a petition urging the government to recall the military, reported Daily Nation.
Protestors amassed in Mombasa and Kisumu, yet local TV depicted quieter, peaceful gatherings.
“We’re here to voice out as Gen Z, as Kenyans united,” said Berryl Nelima in Mombasa. “Police should stop killing us; we’re peaceful and weaponless.”
The protest lacked clear leaders and thrived on online rally cries. Thursday’s posts indicated a split on the extent of demonstrations.
“Let’s not be daft in fighting for a better Kenya,” Boniface Mwangi, a social justice activist, posted on Instagram.
He backed Thursday’s demonstrations but cautioned against assaulting State House, fearing it might trigger more violence, justifying a clampdown.
Some protestors decided to hold off since the finance bill was canned. Others vowed persistence until Ruto’s departure.
“This isn’t just about the finance bill; it’s about #RutoMustGo,” activist Davis Tafari texted Reuters. “We demand Ruto’s resignation and fresh elections … Occupy State House for justice.”
DIALOGUE, AUSTERITY IN THE WINGS
Ruto defended his tax hike attempt, defending it as necessary for debt reduction amid Kenya’s economic pinch, curbing borrowing and currency strain.
Yet, he accepted public dissent over the bill. He pledged dialogue with youth and promised budget cuts starting from his office.
The IMF, advocating fiscal prudence for more funds, closely monitors Kenya’s situation.
“The recent tragic events in Kenya concern us deeply,” the IMF stated. “Our aim is to aid Kenya’s economic recovery and better its people’s lives.”
Moody’s indicated that switching focus to spending cuts versus revenue hikes would complicate future IMF funds and slow fiscal repairs.
Reporting by Aaron Ross; Additional reporting by Giulia Paravicini, Monicah Mwangi, Olivia Kumwenda-Mtambo, Hereward Holland, and Dicksy O’Biero; Written by Sharon Singleton; Edited by Clarence Fernandez, Philippa Fletcher, Andrew Heavens, Peter Graff
