Violent street demonstrations rocked Kenya on Tuesday, resulting in at least 23 deaths caused by police shootings. The National Assembly was partially destroyed as legislators escaped through underground tunnels. President William Ruto condemned the protests as a betrayal and initially described them as a threat to national security but later announced that he would not sign the controversial bill.
The demonstrations were sparked by a bill passed by the National Assembly that included tax increases, leading to widespread discontent and calls for the bill to be vetoed. Reports of police brutality, including the use of live ammunition against civilians and the detention of paramedics, fueled the anger of the protesters. International organizations reported a higher death toll from the police crackdown on the protests.
The Finance Bill 2024, which aimed to raise domestic revenue through various taxes and fees, was the main trigger for the protests. President Ruto defended the bill as necessary to address Kenya’s national debt and budget deficit but faced criticism for implementing unpopular policies and extravagant spending. The protests highlighted growing dissatisfaction with Kenya’s economic policies and leadership.
Despite his anti-establishment rhetoric during his campaign, President Ruto faced criticism for implementing unpopular policies and extravagant spending. The protests evolved into a demand for change and accountability in Kenya’s political system, with citizens taking to the streets to express their frustration and demand transparency and accountability from their leaders.
In conclusion, Kenya experienced violent street demonstrations on Tuesday that resulted in at least 23 deaths caused by police shootings. The events were sparked by a bill passed by parliament that led to widespread discontent among citizens who demanded its vetoing due to tax increases it contained. Protests were further fueled by reports of police brutality against civilians and paramedics while international organizations reported a higher death toll from police crackdown on protests.
President Ruto initially described these events as a threat to national security but later announced he would not sign the controversial bill after acknowledging loss of life and damage caused by protests.
These events have highlighted growing dissatisfaction with Kenya’s economic policies and leadership among citizens who took to streets demanding change and accountability from their leaders despite his anti-establishment rhetoric during his campaign.