On Tuesday (June 25), thousands of people protested in the city. Kenya stormed the parliament building, burning part of the building Related press. Now, social media users around the world are calling for more discussion about what is happening in the African country.
But the question remains: What exactly caused these protests and the escalation on Tuesday? Here are the details on what’s going on, the impact so far, and the ultimate goal of the protests.
Support for Kenyan President Changes
According to AP, President William Ruto came to power by appealing to ordinary people, describing himself as a “hustler” and vowing to ease economic pain. Nation officials swore to him assumed his role in September 2022. Less than two years later, his support has taken a dramatic turn.
President Ruto ran on a promise to implement policies to put more money in the pockets of Kenyans. When his government eliminated vital fuel and cornmeal subsidies, many Kenyans saw it as a betrayal.
Ruto, now extremely wealthy, regularly calls on Kenyans to tighten their belts. But his state visit to the United States in May caused controversy when he chartered a luxury private jet instead of using the presidential jet or Kenya’s national airline. Ruth then said Friends paid for the plane rental but he did not name them.
Police response to protests
As mentioned, on Tuesday, part of parliament was burned as protesters stormed in and lawmakers fled. The AP reported that bodies were lying in the street when police opened fire, according to reports of witnesses from medical personnel and watchdogs.
According to the Kenya Medical Association, at least five people were shot dead while treating the wounded. More than 30 people were injured, at least 13 people were hit by live bullets.
Additionally, police fired live ammunition and threw tear gas canisters at protesters seeking treatment at a medical tent at a nearby church. Elsewhere in town, Kenyatta National Hospital said it had received 45 “victims”.
Finance bill at the center of chaos
The country’s youth, in particular, have strongly opposed the finance bill that officials first announced on June 18. They say it will worsen Kenya’s economic problems, including The cost of living is already high.
For lawmakers, however, the finance bill is tasked with increasing or imposing taxes or fees on a range of everyday items and services. That list includes internet data, fuel, bank transfers and diapers. As anger grew, some of the bill’s measures were repealed.
However, lawmakers continued to pass it in a second round vote amid opposition. The bill is currently awaiting President Ruto’s signature and he is expected to sign it this week, according to AP. He has two weeks to act but faces apparent calls from protesters, religious leaders and other leaders to think again.
For context, the proposals are part of the Kenyan government’s efforts to raise an additional $2.7 billion in domestic revenue. The government says the changes are necessary to pay interest on the national debt, reduce the budget deficit and keep the government running.
How the protests began and escalated to burning down Congress
Note that this is not President Ruto’s first finance bill that has faced opposition. The 2023 finance bill that Ruto signed into law was also unpopular, although anger did not escalate like this. That bill addresses a tax on housing wages.
Since June 18, Kenyan youth have been organizing on social media and taking to the streets. Their actions included peaceful street protests aimed at forcing the government to completely repeal this financial bill.
The protests began in Nairobi but have spread to other parts of Kenya, including the Indian Ocean city of Mombasa and even Eldoret.
Based on TMZFormer US President Barack Obama’s half-sister, Auma Obama, was caught up in the escalating situation. Meanwhile, CNN interviewed herAuma was shot with tear gas on the streets of the capital.
Kenyan President Responds
Responding to the incident at the National Assembly, President Ruto called It was a national security threat and reportedly vowed that such unrest would not happen again “at any cost”.
“Today’s events mark a significant turning point in how we respond to threats to our national security,” Ruto said, calling the events “treasonous ”.
Ruto was outside Nairobi attending an African Union retreat.
Kenya’s defense minister said officials had deployed the military to support police in the event of a “security emergency” and “breach of critical infrastructure.”
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Associated Press staff members Rodney Muhumuza and Evelyne Musambi contributed to this report.
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