Escalating Violence Marks Anniversary of Anti-Tax Protests in Kenya
Kenya's protests on the anniversary of anti-tax demonstrations have turned deadly, with reports of multiple casualties and injuries amid heavy police response.
Death toll from Kenya's anti-government protests rises to 16
Associated Press
Overview
- Protests in Nairobi commemorate the one-year anniversary of anti-tax demonstrations, now marred by violence and casualties.
- At least 16 deaths and hundreds injured have been reported during the recent anti-government protests, ignited by police brutality.
- Protesters are rallying against the death of a blogger in custody and a civilian shot during previous demonstrations, fueling anger.
- The government maintains a heavy police presence, employing tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds, leading to further casualties.
- Political analysts highlight the growing discontent among Kenyans, with many viewing protesters as 'heroes' standing against systemic corruption.
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Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the protests in Kenya as a significant response to government actions, highlighting public dissent and police brutality. They emphasize the mobilization of youth through social media, reflecting a critical stance towards the government while acknowledging the tragic consequences of the protests, including fatalities and heavy police presence.
Parliament and the president's office in Nairobi were barricaded in anticipation of protests marking the one-year anniversary of anti-tax demonstrations that resulted in casualties and missing individuals.
The military was deployed twice.
Young Kenyans utilized social media to organize protests in honor of deceased individuals from the previous year.
Isaac Mwaura, the government spokesperson, announced on Monday that there would be no protests and that Wednesday would be a regular working day.
Businesses in Nairobi were closed on Wednesday and vehicle movement into the central business district was restricted by police.
Hundreds of Kenyans protested against the government in the morning, with police using tear gas on some of the crowds.
Local media published the names and photos of some individuals who died during last year's protests.
Political analyst Herman Manyora praised the protesters as heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice and should be honored.
Kenyans marked the one-year anniversary of anti-tax protests with social media mobilization and street demonstrations.
Heavy police presence and barricades with razor wire were seen at Parliament, President William Ruto's statehouse office, and government buildings in the capital.
Articles (6)
Center (4)
"…The number of Kenyans who died during Wednesday’s nationwide protests over police brutality and bad governance has doubled to 16, according to the state-funded human rights commission."
Associated Press·5d·"…Smoke was billowing from at least 10 torched buildings in downtown Nairobi on Thursday morning."
USA TODAY·5d·"…Kenyan youth remain unhappy with the current administration due to corruption, rising cost of living and police brutality, and the recent death of a blogger in custody."
ABC News·7d·"…Kenyan youth remain unhappy with the current administration due to corruption, rising cost of living and police brutality, and the recent death of a blogger in custody."
Associated Press·7d·FAQ
The protests were primarily sparked by proposed tax increases in the 2024 Finance Bill, which included taxes on essential goods like bread, diapers, and smartphones. Additional causes included police brutality and government actions perceived as oppressive, including the deaths of activists and protesters in custody.
The government responded with a heavy police presence, employing tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds, resulting in multiple casualties. Following intense protests, President William Ruto initially withheld signing the Finance Bill and later signed the 'Appropriations Bill 2024' to address budget shortfalls caused by the rejection of the Finance Bill.
Youth activists, particularly from Generation Z, led the protests by mobilizing through social media platforms such as X, TikTok, and Instagram. They used digital tools like ChatGPT to educate the public about the Finance Bill and organized calls to action, translating information into local languages and spamming political leaders' contacts to amplify their message.
The protests turned deadly with at least 16 deaths and hundreds injured amid police crackdowns using live ammunition. There were reports of extrajudicial executions and abductions by security forces. The demonstrations included storming and burning of the Kenyan Parliament and attempts to attack police stations and politicians' properties, escalating violence nationwide.
Many Kenyans and political analysts view the protesters as 'heroes' who stand against systemic corruption and police brutality. The protests reflect increasing discontent within the country, highlighting frustrations with governance and economic policies.
History
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