In Nairobi [Kenya], the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), in its fourth report, criticized President William Ruto for using brutal force against citizens protesting against the Finance Bill 2024, which included increases unpopular taxes.
The East African nation faces an economic crisis as Kenya's total debt stands at $80 billion, representing 68 percent of its GDP, exceeding the World Bank and IMF recommended maximum of 55 percent. .
Most of Kenya's debt is held by international bondholders, with China being the largest bilateral creditor, with debt of $5.7 billion.
The debt issue has drawn international scrutiny, with Washington accusing Beijing of engaging in "debt trap diplomacy," a claim China denies.
Since the protests began on June 18, 2024, the KNCHR reported 39 deaths and 361 injuries.
"Initially peaceful, the demonstrations turned violent on June 25, causing significant property damage. Most of the deaths occurred in Nairobi, with others reported in regions such as Nakuru, Laikipia and Kisumu," the KNCHR said in its report.
The KNCHR also highlighted cases of forced disappearances and arbitrary detentions, with 32 cases of disappearances and 627 arrests. Many protesters are reported to be hiding due to threats from unidentified people.
The Commission condemned the excessive use of force against protesters, including medical personnel, lawyers and journalists.
https://x.com/HakiKNCHR/status/1807812719527055775
Property damage included the destruction of a national library, a county court in Eldoret, the governor's office in Nairobi and Parliament buildings.
Additionally, there were reports of attacks on property linked to politicians and private property, including burning cars and looting of stores.
The deployment of the Kenya Defense Forces to assist in national policing efforts was also discussed.
The KNCHR emphasized the need to comply with legal and human rights standards.
Roseline Odede, Chairperson of the KNCHR, reiterated the government's obligation to ensure the safety of protesters by maintaining law and order.
The unrest highlights Kenya's economic and political challenges and the urgent need for dialogue to prevent further violence and human rights violations.
Largely peaceful anti-tax demonstrations, led mostly by young Generation Z protesters, descended into shocking scenes of deadly violence last Tuesday as lawmakers approved the controversial legislation, Al Jazeera reported.
Later, after the vote was announced, a crowd ransacked the parliament complex in central Nairobi and was partially set on fire when police fired live bullets at protesters, Al Jazeera reported.
Notably, it is the most serious crisis President William Ruto's government has faced since he took office in September 2022, following a deeply divisive election in a nation often considered a beacon of stability in a turbulent region.
Additionally, activists have called for new protests starting Tuesday despite Ruto's announcement that he would not sign the bill containing the tax increases into law, Al Jazeera reported.
Additionally, leaflets have been posted on social media with the hashtags "Occupy Everywhere", "Ruto must go" and "Reject budgeted corruption".
The East African nation faces an economic crisis as Kenya's total debt stands at $80 billion, representing 68 percent of its GDP, exceeding the World Bank and IMF recommended maximum of 55 percent. .
Most of Kenya's debt is held by international bondholders, with China being the largest bilateral creditor, with debt of $5.7 billion.
The debt issue has drawn international scrutiny, with Washington accusing Beijing of engaging in "debt trap diplomacy," a claim China denies.
Since the protests began on June 18, 2024, the KNCHR reported 39 deaths and 361 injuries.
"Initially peaceful, the demonstrations turned violent on June 25, causing significant property damage. Most of the deaths occurred in Nairobi, with others reported in regions such as Nakuru, Laikipia and Kisumu," the KNCHR said in its report.
The KNCHR also highlighted cases of forced disappearances and arbitrary detentions, with 32 cases of disappearances and 627 arrests. Many protesters are reported to be hiding due to threats from unidentified people.
The Commission condemned the excessive use of force against protesters, including medical personnel, lawyers and journalists.
https://x.com/HakiKNCHR/status/1807812719527055775
Property damage included the destruction of a national library, a county court in Eldoret, the governor's office in Nairobi and Parliament buildings.
Additionally, there were reports of attacks on property linked to politicians and private property, including burning cars and looting of stores.
The deployment of the Kenya Defense Forces to assist in national policing efforts was also discussed.
The KNCHR emphasized the need to comply with legal and human rights standards.
Roseline Odede, Chairperson of the KNCHR, reiterated the government's obligation to ensure the safety of protesters by maintaining law and order.
The unrest highlights Kenya's economic and political challenges and the urgent need for dialogue to prevent further violence and human rights violations.
Largely peaceful anti-tax demonstrations, led mostly by young Generation Z protesters, descended into shocking scenes of deadly violence last Tuesday as lawmakers approved the controversial legislation, Al Jazeera reported.
Later, after the vote was announced, a crowd ransacked the parliament complex in central Nairobi and was partially set on fire when police fired live bullets at protesters, Al Jazeera reported.
Notably, it is the most serious crisis President William Ruto's government has faced since he took office in September 2022, following a deeply divisive election in a nation often considered a beacon of stability in a turbulent region.
Additionally, activists have called for new protests starting Tuesday despite Ruto's announcement that he would not sign the bill containing the tax increases into law, Al Jazeera reported.
Additionally, leaflets have been posted on social media with the hashtags "Occupy Everywhere", "Ruto must go" and "Reject budgeted corruption".
