At least 13 protesters were killed during demonstrations in Kenya, according to doctors, as protests against new tax proposals intensified on Tuesday.
Part of the parliament building in Nairobi was set ablaze after an angry crowd breached police lines.
In an address on Tuesday evening, President William Ruto vowed to use all means necessary to “thwart any attempts by dangerous criminals to undermine the security and stability of our country.”
He has deployed the military to control the protests. Several groups have accused security forces of overreacting by using live ammunition.
Simon Kigondu, president of the Kenya Medical Association, told AFP that the death toll of 13 “is not the final number.”
There have also been unverified reports on social media of dozens of people being shot dead by security officers overnight, along with reports of deaths in other areas with protests.
Protests against the finance bill, which includes several tax hikes, have been ongoing for days but escalated on Tuesday after MPs passed an amended bill.
Protesters stormed parliament, vandalized the interior, and set parts of the complex on fire. The ceremonial mace, symbolizing legislative authority, was stolen.
Police then opened fire with live ammunition, according to the Kenya Medical Association.
The BBC’s Mercy Juma in Nairobi reported seeing several bodies lying in pools of blood on the streets. The protests have been largely organized by young people through social media.
“There are some things that are hard to understand, like how can you impose 16% tax on bread? How can you tax sanitary pads?” said 24-year-old Derrick Mwathu to the BBC, referencing some proposals in the original bill.
President Ruto promised a strong response to the “violence and anarchy,” stating, “It is not in order or even conceivable that criminals pretending to be peaceful protesters can reign terror against the people, their elected representatives, and the institutions established under our constitution and expect to go scot-free.”
On Wednesday morning, Speaker of Parliament Moses Wetangula commended young people for leading the discussion on the finance bill and the state of the economy but emphasized that “violence, disrespect and wanton destruction of property and blatant attack on public institutions shall not be condoned.”
The killing of protesters has been widely condemned by human rights defenders, lawyers, and the church. Wanjeri Nderu, head of the International Society For Human Rights, told the BBC that the protest was “like we were at war,” noting that police used live ammunition even before parliament was breached.
Catholic bishops also condemned the police action, appealing to the police not to shoot at protesters while urging demonstrators to remain peaceful.
The Law Society of Kenya called for international criminal investigators to assist families seeking justice, reporting that soldiers were engaging protesters in parliament.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep sadness over the deaths and injuries, including those of journalists and medical personnel, urging Kenyan authorities to “exercise restraint” and calling for peaceful demonstrations.
Hundreds were reportedly injured, including by rubber bullets and tear gas. At a Nairobi cathedral where a medical camp was set up for injured protesters, a BBC reporter saw soldiers forcing doctors out of the building.
Another temporary unit was set up outside the emergency unit at Kenyatta National Hospital.
Former President Uhuru Kenyatta urged dialogue, reminding leaders that “power and authority is donated to them by the people.”
Although the government has revised some proposals in the original bill, protesters demand its complete withdrawal. “Our voice must be heard… We are the generation that is coming up, so they need to hear us,” said 23-year-old Maureen Awuor.
The protests have garnered international attention, with African anti-establishment figures like Ugandan opposition leader Bobi Wine and South African politician Julius Malema expressing support for the protesters.
Western countries have expressed concern over the violence and urged calm.
Source-BBC
