Kenya was in a state of shock on Wednesday as protests over proposed tax hikes turned deadly, prompting President William Ruto’s government to deploy the military after parts of parliament were set ablaze. The protests, mainly led by youth, began peacefully but escalated quickly as tensions flared and police fired live rounds on crowds. The violence left five dead and more than 30 injured, leading the government to deploy the army to support the police in tackling the situation.
The government, taken by surprise by the intensity of opposition to its tax proposals, faced backlash from young Kenyans at the shocking scenes at parliament that played out live on TV. The unrest has alarmed the international community, with calls for calm and deep concern over the loss of life. The protests stem from long-running grievances over the rising cost of living in Kenya, with the government citing the need for tax increases to service the country’s massive debt.
The situation remains tense as the government faces criticism for its handling of the protests, with opposition leader Raila Odinga accusing the government of using brute force. Despite rolling back some proposed tax hikes, the government still intends to increase fuel prices and export duties, leading to further unrest in the country.