Kenyan President William Ruto emphasized on Tuesday that security stands as his top priority following violent protests sparked by a bill aimed at increasing taxes. The demonstrations escalated into chaos in Nairobi, where protesters clashed with police, leading to at least five deaths. The scenes turned dramatic as crowds attempted to breach the parliament compound, forcing lawmakers to evacuate through tunnels.
In a televised address, Ruto condemned the violence, labeling it as orchestrated by "dangerous elements" who he claimed disguised themselves as peaceful protesters. He assured swift action against what he termed as "treasonous events," as police resorted to firing after initial attempts with tear gas and water cannons failed to disperse the crowds.
Defence Minister Aden Duale later disclosed that the army had been deployed to aid the police in handling what he described as a "security emergency." The unrest resulted in significant damage to critical infrastructure, including the partial burning of the parliament building.
Amidst mounting pressures, President Ruto, elected on a platform supporting Kenya's working class, finds himself navigating between demands from international lenders like the IMF, urging fiscal austerity, and a populace grappling with economic shocks exacerbated by factors such as the COVID-19 pandemic and global conflicts.
The finance bill, which aims to raise $2.7 billion through increased taxes, seeks to alleviate Kenya's heavy debt burden, with interest payments consuming a substantial portion of annual revenue. However, its passage has ignited widespread dissent, with protests not only in Nairobi but also in other cities and towns across the country.
International concern has been palpable, with statements from the White House and joint calls from ambassadors urging restraint amid the escalating violence. Activist Auma Obama, known for her advocacy work, was among those tear-gassed during the demonstrations, underscoring the intensity of the unrest.
The protests, initially sparked by opposition to the finance bill, have evolved into broader demands for Ruto's resignation. Despite government concessions to exempt basic commodities from new taxes, including bread and cooking oil, demonstrators remain steadfast in their calls for broader fiscal reforms.
In Nairobi's Central Business District and other urban centers like Eldoret and Mombasa, the scenes turned tense as police clashed with demonstrators, firing tear gas to disperse crowds chanting slogans against the government. The organic nature of these protests, led by a decentralized youth movement, marks a departure from traditional political demonstrations in Kenya.
Tuesday's events saw disruptions not only on the streets but also in Kenya's digital sphere, with widespread internet outages reported during the crackdown. Safaricom, a leading network operator, cited cable issues as the cause, highlighting the challenges faced by protesters and citizens in accessing communication channels.
As parliament moves the finance bill toward final approval, opposition figures have intensified their calls for Ruto's resignation, portraying him as out of touch with the populace's economic hardships. Meanwhile, the government contends that revising the bill could create a significant budget deficit, necessitating tough decisions on spending and revenue.
Despite the government's efforts to restore calm and address grievances, including promises to scrap some proposed taxes, tensions remain high. The future trajectory hinges on how effectively authorities and protesters can find common ground amidst the country's economic challenges and political divisions.
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