Kenya is reeling after a 29-year-old man, Rex Kanyike Masai, was fatally shot during nationwide protests against a new finance bill.
The demonstrations, dubbed “Occupy Parliament,” turned violent as police clashed with largely peaceful protesters near the parliament building in Nairobi.
Amnesty International has criticized the police for using excessive force, leading to over 100 arrests and injuries among protesters.
The outcry forced the government to withdraw some contentious provisions from the bill, including taxes on bread and vehicles.
However, the anger of the mainly youthful protesters remains directed at President William Ruto’s administration, which has introduced unpopular taxes seen as stifling economic growth and causing job losses.
The circumstances of Masai’s death are under investigation, with activists and witnesses stating that he was unarmed and fleeing tear gas when he was shot.
The incident has sparked calls for justice on social media, with plans to honor Masai as a hero and cover his burial expenses.
Amnesty International has alleged live shootings by some police officers, leading to injuries ranging from soft tissue wounds to tear gas inhalation among protesters.
The Law Society of Kenya condemned police brutality and the illegal arrest of demonstrators.
Despite the protests, the finance bill passed its second reading in parliament. The final vote is expected next Tuesday, with protesters urging MPs to reject the entire bill.
The government defends the tax measures as necessary to reduce the country’s significant national debt.
Source-BBC
