In Nairobi, Kenya, tensions escalated sharply last week as protesters took to the streets to demonstrate against tax increases. The crowd broke through barricades and entered the Kenyan parliament complex, throwing stones at police and moving towards the parliament building where lawmakers were discussing a controversial bill proposing tax increases.
As the protests intensified, police responded by firing rubber bullets and tear gas at the protesters, resulting in injuries and casualties. The Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC) reported that police shot and killed one protester, while other human rights observers noted an increased use of live ammunition by the National Police Service in Nairobi. There were also reports of protesters being kidnapped by plainclothes police at night.
The protests have highlighted the anger over Kenya’s cost of living crisis and the government’s effort to increase taxes to fill budget gaps. Despite agreeing to cancel some tax increases, there are still plans to raise fuel prices and export taxes, which critics say will further burden Kenyans already struggling with inflation. The demonstrations have called for respect for protesters’ rights to assemble and demanded the release of those arrested by authorities.
The protests in Kenya have exposed the economic challenges faced by many citizens and the need for solutions that address the root causes of the crisis.
