Protesters attempt to storm the Kenyan Parliament, Police fire, Several Killed

On June 25, 2024, a sad occurrence occurred when protesters attempted to attack the Nairobi parliament and were fired upon by Kenyan police. Many people were opposed to a contentious tax plan, which led to this altercation, which resulted in multiple fatalities and numerous injuries. Let’s examine the specifics of this momentous and tragic event.

A proposed financial bill that sought to raise $2.7 billion in taxes in order to lessen Kenya’s high level of debt was the catalyst for the disturbance. The introduction of the bill coincides with a period of severe economic hardship for Kenyans, including the COVID-19 pandemic’s aftereffects, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, years of drought, and a declining value of the national currency.

Enraged by the tax hikes and dire economic conditions, protesters in Nairobi assembled in large numbers on June 25. As they attempted to enter the heavily secured parliament compound, the protests swiftly got out of control. Police responded by using water cannons and tear gas, but when these didn’t work to break up the masses, they turned to live bullets.

Deaths and injuries

Sadly, at least five verified deaths and several injuries were the outcome of the violence. Thirteen of the injured had been shot with live rounds, and four had been shot with rubber bullets, according to the Kenya Medical Association. Safe corridors have been demanded by medical professionals in order to safeguard emergency care providers.

Government Reaction

President William Ruto, addressing the nation on the evening of the protests, condemned the violence and labeled the events as acts of treason. Emphasizing security as his utmost priority, Ruto assured the public of a swift and decisive response to restore order. Defence Minister Aden Duale announced the deployment of the army to assist police in handling what he described as a “security emergency.”

After winning the presidency almost two years ago on the platform of helping Country’s working poor, Ruto is now forced to strike a balance between meeting the expectations of the IMF and the requirements of a citizenry facing hardship. Though strong opposition has been expressed by a populace already experiencing financial hardship, the proposed tax increases are thought to be required in order to obtain additional cash.

Public Response

There has been a considerable public uproar, with many Kenyans voicing their dissatisfaction and rage. President Ruto’s resignation is being called for more frequently, a sign of the public’s growing discontent with the way the administration is handling the crisis and the anticipated tax rises.

Global Reaction

Reactions from around the world have been quick. The ambassadors of the US, UK, and Germany voiced grave worry at the violence, and the White House released a statement encouraging calm and moderation. These countries demanded communication and a diplomatic solution to the issue.

Major disruptions have been caused throughout Nairobi and other cities by the protests and the violence that followed. The significant disruption of internet services has an impact on everyday activities and communication. Leading network provider in Kenya, Safaricom, reported disruptions in two of its underwater cables; however, the precise reason for these outages is still unknown.

The media’s and activists’ roles
There has been a great deal of local and worldwide media coverage. Notably, one of the people who was tear-gassed during the protests was Kenyan activist Auma Obama, who is the half-sister of former US President Barack Obama. Her engagement has increased awareness of the protestors’ predicament on a global scale.

Safety Procedures
Tight security measures have been put in place by the Kenyan government in reaction to the rising violence. The army’s presence is a sign of how serious things are and how committed the authorities are to preserve vital infrastructure and restore order.

Financial Consequences

There are important economic ramifications to the protests. Although there have been noticeable short-term disruptions, there may be more significant long-term repercussions that could have an impact on investor confidence and Kenya’s financial stability. In the upcoming months, the government’s capacity to strike a balance between social stability and economic responsibility will be crucial.

The Tax Bill’s Future

The future of the tax measure is still unknown given the scope of the demonstrations and the ensuing violence. The administration could have to reevaluate or modify the bill in order to allay popular worries and stop more upheaval. It will be crucial to have open discussions with stakeholders and to communicate clearly.

Conclusion

Kenya’s history has entered a sombre chapter with the events of June 25. The bloodshed and fatalities highlight the public’s ingrained resentment as well as the difficulties the administration faces in resolving economic problems. Going forward, finding long-term solutions to Kenya’s urgent problems would require constructive communication between the public and the government.

FAQs

Why did the protests turn violent?
The protests turned violent due to escalating frustrations over the proposed tax bill and economic hardships, leading demonstrators to attempt to storm the parliament.

What is the tax bill aiming to achieve?
The tax bill aims to raise $2.7 billion to help reduce Country’s debt burden and secure additional funding from international lenders like the IMF.

How has the international community responded?
The international community has expressed concern over the violence, urging calm and restraint. Notable reactions came from the White House and ambassadors from the UK, US, and Germany.

What are the economic challenges facing Kenya?
Kenya is dealing with multiple economic challenges, including the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, drought, and a depreciating currency.

What measures is the government taking to prevent further violence?
The government has deployed the army to assist the police in maintaining order and protecting critical infrastructure.