A 21-year-old protester died after being struck by a tear gas canister during anti-tax demonstrations in Kenya, marking the second fatality in youth-led protests against President William Ruto’s economic policies this week.
The victim, Evans Kiratu, was hit during Thursday’s protests in Nairobi, according to Ernest Cornel, a spokesperson for the Kenya Human Rights Commission. “He was rushed to hospital around 6:00 pm on Thursday…and died there,” Cornel confirmed, adding, “It is tragic that a young person can lose his life simply for agitating against the high cost of living.”
Thursday’s demonstrations were largely peaceful but saw police deploying tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds near the parliament. The protests, primarily driven by young Kenyans who have been livestreaming events, are a response to the proposed tax hikes and economic measures introduced by Ruto’s administration.
The rallies, which started in Nairobi on Tuesday, have now spread nationwide. Protesters are calling for a national strike on June 25.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) reported on Friday that it is investigating the death of another protester, a 29-year-old man, allegedly shot by police during the demonstrations.
The government has defended the tax hikes as necessary to address the country’s financial challenges and reduce dependence on external borrowing.
