Kenya Protests, 23 Deaths: Ruto Cancels Tax Hikes

At least 23 protesters were killed during demonstrations in Kenya, with a section of parliament set ablaze as protests against new tax proposals intensified on Tuesday. An angry crowd breached police lines and stormed parliament in Nairobi, setting parts of it on fire.

In an evening address, President William Ruto condemned the violence and deployed the military to quell the unrest, stating that all means would be deployed to “thwart any attempts by dangerous criminals to undermine the security and stability of our country.” He labelled the protesters as criminals and vowed to restore order.

Several groups have accused security forces of overreacting by using live ammunition. Simon Kigondu, president of the Kenya Medical Association, confirmed 23 deaths but indicated that the figure might rise. There were also unverified reports of dozens of people being shot by security officers overnight and reports of deaths in other protest areas across the country.

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Protests erupted in response to an unpopular finance bill proposing several tax hikes. The situation escalated as MPs passed an amended bill, prompting protesters to break into parliament, vandalise the interior, and set parts of the complex on fire. The ceremonial mace, symbolising the authority of the legislature, was stolen.

The BBC’s Mercy Juma in Nairobi witnessed several bodies lying on the street in pools of blood. The protests have largely been organised 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?” 24-year-old Derrick Mwathu told the BBC.

Government and International Responses

President Ruto pledged a tough response to the “violence and anarchy” and asserted that the government would not tolerate attacks on public institutions. Speaker of Parliament Moses Wetangula praised the youth for their engagement but condemned the violence and destruction of property.

Human rights defenders, lawyers, and the church widely condemned the killing of protesters. Wanjeri Nderu, head of the International Society for Human Rights, described the protest scene as “like we were at war,” noting that police used live ammunition even before parliament was breached. Catholic bishops and the Law Society of Kenya also called for restraint and peaceful protests.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep sadness over the deaths and injuries, urging Kenyan authorities to exercise restraint and calling for peaceful demonstrations. Hundreds were reportedly injured, including with rubber bullets and tear gas. Medical camps set up to treat injured protesters were disrupted by soldiers, and a temporary unit was established outside the emergency unit at Kenyatta National Hospital.

Former President Uhuru Kenyatta urged dialogue, emphasising that leaders should remember their power comes from the people. Although the government retracted some proposals in the original bill, protesters demanded its complete withdrawal.

President Ruto’s Climbdown

Under intense pressure, President Ruto announced on Wednesday that he would not sign the finance bill, effectively withdrawing the proposed tax hikes. This decision was seen as a major victory for the youth-led protest movement, which had evolved from online condemnations of tax rises into mass rallies demanding political change. Despite Ruto’s concession, some demonstrators continued to call for further protests and his resignation.

In a televised address, Ruto acknowledged the public outcry and stated, “Listening keenly to the people of Kenya who have said loudly that they want nothing to do with this finance bill 2024, I concede. And therefore, I will not sign the 2024 finance bill, and it shall subsequently be withdrawn.” Vice President Rigathi Gachagua urged young people to call off the protests to avoid further loss of life and destruction of property, blaming poor advice from intelligence services for the unrest.

Prominent social justice activist Boniface Mwangi called for a “1-million-people march,” and opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka demanded Ruto’s resignation, emphasising that the issue had surpassed the finance bill. The International Monetary Fund expressed concern about the unrest, stating its support for Kenya’s economic challenges and well-being.

Continuing Unrest and Future Prospects

Despite Ruto’s reversal, protesters remained defiant, planning further actions and using social media to organise. The protests, which began as an online outcry against proposed taxes on essential items like bread and diapers, grew into a nationwide movement demanding comprehensive political changes.

Ruto announced plans to initiate dialogue with Kenyan youth and implement austerity measures to address the fiscal deficit, starting with budget cuts to the presidency. However, the situation remains volatile, with the president caught between the demands of his citizens and those of international lenders like the IMF.

The protests, documented in at least 35 of Kenya’s 47 counties, have highlighted widespread dissatisfaction and the government’s struggle to balance economic reform with public approval. The immediate withdrawal of the finance bill may temporarily quell unrest, but the underlying tensions and demands for deeper political change persist.