39 PEOPLE KILLED AND 361 INJURED IN KENYA ANTI-TAX PROTESTS: WATCHDOG

Kenya Red Cross

Tue 02 July 2024:

At least 39 people have died in anti-government protests over planned tax hikes, as reported by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

In a statement on Monday, Roseline Adede, KNCHR’s chairperson, confirmed that the deaths occurred due to violent clashes between demonstrators and police throughout the East African nation.

“Data from our records indicates that thirty-nine (39) people have died and three hundred and sixty-one (361) injured in relation to the protests countrywide,” Adede said in a statement.

“The Commission continues to condemn in the strongest terms possible the unwarranted violence and force that was inflicted on protesters, medical personnel, lawyers, journalists and on safe spaces such as churches, medical emergency centers and ambulances,” she added.

This announcement comes as predominantly young Kenyans prepare for another round of demonstrations set for Tuesday, driven by deep-seated frustrations and demands for government accountability amid widespread economic hardships.

According to the state-funded but independent rights watchdog, the death toll by region is as follows: Nairobi (17), Nakuru (3), Laikipia (1), Narok (1), Kajiado (3), Uasin Gishu (4), Kakamega (1), Kisumu (2), Kisii (1), Mombasa (3), Siaya (1), Kiambu (1), and Nandi (1).

This new death toll contradicts President William Ruto’s statement on Sunday night, in which he claimed that only 19 people had died during the protests. During the television interview, Ruto asserted that he had no blood on his hands.

There has been heightened security in Kenya following widespread unrest sparked by Finance Bill 2024.

The protests have led to widespread looting and property damage across the country.

In response to public pressure, Ruto announced last Wednesday that he would not sign the controversial bill.

Military vehicles and armored personnel carriers have been patrolling Nairobi, with heavily armed soldiers assisting police in preventing chaos, looting, and vandalism.

SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES

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