LONDON — Police allegedly fired live ammunition at anti-government protesters in Kenya’s capital of Nairobi on Tuesday, as thousands of people demonstrated against proposed tax hikes in the East African nation.
Mathias Kinyoda, spokesperson for Amnesty International in Kenya, told ABC News that the death toll from Tuesday’s clashes between police and protesters was at least eight people, but said it was still too early to say with certainty.
Protesters react after being pushed by Kenya Police officers while demonstrating during a nationwide strike to protest against tax hikes and the Finance Bill 2024 in downtown Nairobi, on June 25, 2024.
Luis Tato/AFP via Getty Images
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
In recent news, a violent clash between police and anti-tax protesters in Kenya has resulted in multiple deaths and injuries. The protests, which began as a peaceful demonstration against the government’s proposed tax increases, quickly escalated into a chaotic and deadly confrontation.
The protests were organized by a coalition of civil society groups and opposition parties in response to the government’s plan to impose a 16% value-added tax on fuel, as well as other tax hikes on basic goods and services. The protesters argue that these tax increases will disproportionately affect the poor and working-class citizens of Kenya, who are already struggling to make ends meet in a country with high levels of poverty and unemployment.
As the protesters gathered in the streets of Nairobi and other major cities across the country, tensions quickly rose between the demonstrators and the police. Reports indicate that the police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse the crowds, leading to a violent confrontation that resulted in multiple deaths and injuries.
The exact number of casualties is still unclear, but eyewitnesses and local media outlets have reported at least five deaths and dozens of injuries. Many of those injured are said to be in critical condition, raising concerns about the use of excessive force by the police during the protests.
The government has defended its actions, claiming that the protesters were inciting violence and disrupting public order. However, human rights organizations and opposition leaders have condemned the use of force by the police, calling for an independent investigation into the incident and for those responsible to be held accountable.
This latest clash between police and protesters highlights the growing tensions in Kenya over economic inequality and government policies that are perceived as unfair and oppressive. It also raises questions about the role of law enforcement in responding to peaceful demonstrations and the need for greater respect for human rights and freedom of expression in the country.
As the situation continues to unfold, it is crucial for all parties involved to engage in dialogue and find peaceful solutions to address the grievances of the protesters. The government must listen to the concerns of its citizens and work towards policies that promote social justice and economic equality, rather than resorting to violence to silence dissent. Only through open and inclusive dialogue can Kenya move towards a more just and equitable society for all its people.
