NAIROBI: On Tuesday, thousands of protesters stormed Kenya’s parliament to demonstrate against tax proposals, with a section of the building set on fire. As a result, members ran for their dear lives when police reacted violently. This led to President Uhuru Kenyatta’s promise that he would crush the unrest. Some people were killed.
It had been years since such a direct attack was launched against the government. Journalists saw at least three dead bodies lying outside the compound. Where policemen had shot them while medical staff confirmed five deaths.The violence spread to other towns. No arrests have been reported so far.
“This is a turning point in how we address threats posed by national security,”. Ruto said and called this act as “Treasonous” promising to quench disturbance “at whatever cost”.
Kenya’s Defense Minister said military forces had been sent in to back up police during “security emergency” and “breaching of critical infrastructure.”
Protesters demanded that lawmakers vote down a finance bill introducing new taxes on East Africa’s richest economy. Where simmering frustrations about high living costs appeared ready to boil over. Young people. Who voted for Ruto hailing him as an economic and promised they would not suffer for it took back the streets in an expression of dissatisfaction with pain from reforms.
Before fleeing through a tunnel, legislators managed to pass the bill as protesters outsmarted police and continued flooding inside. The fire at the building was later put out.
According to Kenya Medical Association (KMA), at least 5 people were fatally shot while trying to treat wounded people at the scene; more than 30 people injured, including 13 by live bullets. Police shooting live ammunition and teargas canisters at protesters seeking treatment at a medical tent erected in a nearby church; and Kenyatta National Hospital receiving 45 casualties elsewhere in town.
One person who was shot dead was wrapped in the flag of Kenya and carried away. Another person lay on the ground, their head in the gutter.
In a major disruption, internet services in the country noticeably slowed. While at least one broadcasting station issued a statement saying that “we have received threats from the authorities to shut us down.”
Ruto had been away from Nairobi for an African Union retreat. It was expected that he would sign the finance bill this week into law but now he has two weeks to do so and religious and other leaders want him to reconsider.
Smoke poured out of its white exterior as The office of Nairobi’s governor, a member of the ruling party went up in flames briefly on Tuesday. Police water cannon were used to extinguish the fire.
“We are coming for every politician,” protesters shouted.
The Kenya Human Rights Commission shared footage showing officers shooting at demonstrators, calling on Ruto for an immediate order to “stop the killings.”
However, instead of this it was declared by President Kenyatta that government had “mobilized all resources” to ensure order is restored.
On Sunday, Deputy President William Ruto sought to defuse growing tensions in public life stating how proud he was of young Kenyans. Who turned out early last week for peaceful demonstrations and said he would listen to them concerning their grievances. The self-proclaimed hussler with a rags-to-riches story stated that he would address their issues.
The youths had announced a merger in order to curb. The government that has increased fuel, food and other basic items. Inequality among Kenyan has sharpened in Nairobi. Which is a regional hub for expatriates as well as home to a United Nations complex. Due to long held frustrations over state corruption.
Opposition against finance bill also brought together a significant part of the country; some had explicitly rejected divisions associated tribalism over time. Some of those who had passionately stood with Ruto were left feeling betrayed.
“I fell for his lies and now am regretting. Why I voted for him,” said Youth Oscar Saina last week according to the Associated Press.
As thousands of protesters ran through the streets on Tuesday. Defiance cropped up elsewhere in Kenya including Naivasha town. Where president was at the time with protesters chanting “Ruto must go.”
In western city of Nakuru, demonstrators tried to force their way into State House, one witness said. Violence broke out in Kisumu which is a lakeside city on Lake Victoria in western Kenya
The Mombasa Governor joined protesters outside his office and voiced support for them. He is quoted by Citizen TV as having done so while speaking from his office during an interview with them.
According to Nation Newspaper, protestors burnt ruling party offices inside Central Kenya’s Embu County. While Citizen TV aired pictures showing police clashing with demonstrators amid smoking roads in Nyeri likewise located at Central Kenya.
A national conference of Catholic Bishops urged police not to shoot at protestors and appealed to the government for sympathy regarding this pain brought about by unearned taxes. Which are causing many families untold suffering with undeserved tax burdens being imposed upon them.
Two people died last week in similar protests there have been warnings by civil society groups against repression tactics.
On Tuesday morning Faith Odhiambo. President of The Law Society of Kenya stated that 50 Kenyans including her personal assistant had been “kidnapped” by presumably police officers. As per civil society groups, there are those. Who have been very vocal during the demonstrations and were picked up randomly from their homes. Workplaces or public spaces in preparation for the protests that took place on Tuesday.
In a joint statement issued on Monday night. Diplomats from 13 western countries including the United States stated that they were “shocked” at events outside parliament and expressed concern about violence and snatching of protestors.
Police officials did not immediately return calls seeking comment. Speaker Moses Wetangula had directed IG of police to give information concerning places where the missing people were kept.
On Tuesday also hundreds of Kenya’s police officers long accused of abuses by human rights watchdogs and others arrived in Haiti to head a multinational UN force against gangs. Which have taken over the country. Although there is a legal challenge ongoing against this deployment in Kenya. Ruto’s government under US President Joe Biden has proceeded with it.
