The recent wave of anti-tax hike protests in Kenya has resulted in at least 39 deaths and numerous injuries, with fears of further casualties as new demonstrations erupted on Tuesday, July 2, 2024.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported that, in addition to the fatalities, 361 individuals were injured during protests that began after the introduction of the Finance Bill 2024.
KNCHR Chairperson Roseline Odede, in a statement issued from Nairobi, condemned the excessive use of force against protesters. “We maintain that the force used against the protesters was excessive and disproportionate,” Odede stated.
The protests, largely driven by Gen-Z activists, started on June 18 in response to the Finance Bill’s proposed tax increases on essential goods and services, such as bread and mobile money transfers. The bill, aimed at generating an additional 346.7 billion shillings (about 2.67 billion U.S. dollars) for the government, has since been withdrawn following the public outcry.
Despite the bill’s withdrawal, unrest continues. Protesters breached the Parliament premises on June 25, leading to clashes with security forces who fired live ammunition, resulting in at least four deaths. The Parliament building and the National Library were also targeted by the demonstrators.
KNCHR’s data revealed that Nairobi experienced the highest number of fatalities, with 17 deaths. The report also noted 32 cases of involuntary disappearances and 627 arrests of protesters.
In a televised interview on Sunday, President William Ruto called for dialogue with the young protesters and expressed his willingness to engage with them on platforms like X Spaces, a popular social media forum. However, the protesters have rejected these overtures, demanding the release of those detained before any discussions can take place.
