Protests in Nairobi escalate as activists demand change
Kenyan police fired tear gas to scatter small crowds in the capital Nairobi on Tuesday, following deadly violence in previous anti-tax hike demonstrations. Despite President William Ruto’s decision not to sign a controversial finance bill, activists continue to push for change.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported 39 deaths and 361 injuries during the protests and criticized the use of force as “excessive”. In Nairobi, shops were closed, and police dispersed small crowds with tear gas.
While some politicians expressed frustration over the impact on businesses, larger rallies were seen in Mombasa and other cities. The protests, largely driven by Gen-Z Kenyans, turned chaotic last week, resulting in violence and destruction.
Despite Ruto’s decision to scrap the tax legislation, activists are calling for his resignation, with plans for more protests in the coming days. The state-funded commission condemned the violence against protesters and called for accountability.