By At least 10 protesters have been killed in the ongoing clashes between demonstrators and police, according to a paramedic’s report to Reuters. The unrest, driven by widespread dissatisfaction with recent tax increases, has intensified with images and videos shared on social media showing bloodied protesters and streets engulfed in teargas near the parliament.
The death toll is expected to rise as confrontations continue both inside and outside the parliamentary premises. Ambulances are actively transporting the injured to medical facilities, with Nairobi’s Kenyatta National Hospital, the country’s largest referral hospital, receiving 45 injured individuals so far. Among the injured, seven are women with varying injuries, though no fatalities have been reported from the demonstrations at the hospital.
Meanwhile, the privately-owned KTN TV station has reported receiving threats of a shutdown from the government due to its coverage of the protests. Despite this, the 24-hour news channel has pledged to continue its journalistic duties and broadcast events via social media platforms if necessary. “In the event the authorities make good their threats to shut us down, we shall continue bringing you the unfolding events on our social media platforms,” affirmed the station’s newscaster.
The protests have been ongoing for several weeks, sparked by a controversial finance bill proposing significant tax hikes. Many Kenyans argue that they are already struggling with the high cost of living. The government has defended the need for increased revenue to fund public services without exacerbating the national debt. Initial proposals included a 16% sales tax on bread and a 25% duty on cooking oil. Following public outcry, some measures were withdrawn, but the amended bill passed on Tuesday still includes several tax increases.
Among the maintained provisions is an eco-levy on imported products such as sanitary pads and baby nappies, though locally made products are exempt. President William Ruto has acknowledged the protests and promised to hold talks to address the concerns, particularly of the youth leading the demonstrations. However, his assurances have done little to alleviate the tensions on the streets.
