President Obama has expressed disbelief at the young people protesting for their rights in Kenya. During a CNN interview, she attended the protest to show her support for those being pepper-sprayed despite being unarmed and carrying only flags and banners. Meanwhile, Obama’s sister Auma was tear-gassed during the demonstration in Nairobi.
Kenyan President William Ruto condemned the protests and the deaths of at least five protesters by gunfire from security forces as “treason.” However, he failed to address the underlying issue behind the protests – a controversial bill proposing significant tax increases. The protests erupted in violence as police used tear gas and live fire on the protesters. Despite some concessions made by the government, the growing anger over the cost of living was not enough to quell the protests.
The police response to the protests was criticized by human rights and civil society groups, as well as international organizations. The use of live bullets on protesters and paramedics was condemned, and there were reports of human rights violations during the demonstrations. President Ruto declared the protests a threat to national security and deployed the army to support the police services.
In response to these criticisms, Amnesty International Kenya issued a joint statement with other organizations condemning excessive force and violations of human rights by Kenyan police during the protests. The use of live bullets on protesters was particularly condemned, with reports of police shooting at an emergency medical center located in a church. As tensions continue to rise in Kenya following ongoing protests and heavy-handed government responses, it remains uncertain whether peace will be restored anytime soon.
