On Tuesday, Kenya experienced its deadliest street demonstrations in recent history. At least 23 people were killed as a result of police shootings during the protests. The National Assembly was set on fire as protestors stormed the building, forcing legislators to flee through underground tunnels. President William Ruto labeled the protests a betrayal and questioned their underlying causes.
According to reports, police used live ammunition against civilians, causing widespread chaos and violence. Initially, the president ordered the army to be deployed to quell the protests, but this order was later overturned by the judiciary. The protests were sparked by a controversial bill passed by the National Assembly that caused outrage and discontent among the population.
Protesters accused the government of imposing tax increases through the Finance Bill 2024 and demanded its veto by the president. The demonstrations led to a nationwide shutdown, prompting Ruto to backtrack on his decision and announce that he would not sign the bill. However, this only further fueled public outrage as significant loss of life and property damage occurred.
The Finance Bill aimed to introduce new taxes on various goods and services, including internet data, fuel, and even bread. The government’s goal was to raise revenue in order to address national debt and budget deficit concerns. However, this move sparked widespread opposition from young people who organized social media campaigns for change.
Ruto’s promise of economic reform during his campaign clashed with his actions in office, leading many people to view his presidency as a betrayal. His extravagant spending habits and perceived lack of austerity measures only added fuel to public anger and dissatisfaction. As a result of these events, protesters morphed their demands into calls for Ruto’s resignation.
Overall, these protests highlight growing discontent with Kenya’s current government policies and priorities among young people who seek greater accountability and change in their society.
