Kenya: Protests over tax increases leave at least 5 dead, 51 injured

AFP
A proposed tax increase has sparked outrage Kenya and caused Violent clashes with police In the African country. “At least five people died (…). Thirty-one were injured,” said some non-governmental organizations, including Amnesty International Kenyabut did not specify the city where the incident occurred.

Previously, Kenyan NGOs Human Rights Commission On the social network X, the police “shot at four protesters, (…), one of whom died” Nairobi.

The incident broke out in The financial center of the citythe movement’s third demonstration was heldOccupy Parliament” (“Occupy Parliament”) against the draft budget for 2024-2025, which would establish New taxes in this country of East Africa.

The first clashes occurred at noon when protesters entered an area that has several official buildings, such as parliamenthe Supreme Court Oh Nairobi City Hall.

Protesters forced Police cordon and enter Parliament FacilitiesDelegates have just approved amendments to the text, with final approval set to take place by June 30.

AFP reporter saw Three inert objects Lying in a pool of blood near the premises, a building there was on fire.

In turn, Amnesty International Kenya’s leader, Lonely HortonHe realized AFP And condemned the “increasing use of live ammunition by police.”

The main opposition coalition solveaccusing the government of “using violence against our country’s children.”

Demonstrations also took place in several other cities, according to Kenyan media reports.

In addition, NetBlocks, a global telecommunications network monitoring organization, said the country’s internet connections suffered “severe” disruptions.

Photo: EFE.

The “Occupy Parliament” movement emerged on social networks after the presentation of the 2024-2025 budget project in Parliament on June 13, which planned to introduce new taxes, such as a 16% VAT on bread and a 2.5% annual tax on private cars.

For the government, interest rates are “necessary” to provide wiggle room for the heavily indebted country.

The government announced on June 18 that it would withdraw most of the measures, but the movement called for Completely remove textThe protesters denounced the government’s plan to compensate for the cancellation of certain fiscal measures with other measures, notably a 50% tax increase. fuel.

The movement was initially led by young people but has since morphed into broader protests against the president’s policies. William Ruto.

Before Tuesday, two people had died and dozens injured in protests in Nairobi.