Protests outside the Kenyan parliamentary building in Nairobi devolved into violence and gunfire on Tuesday as lawmakers deliberated a bill to raise taxes.
The shooting began as demonstrators flooded onto the parliamentary grounds.
The demonstrations have come about as lawmakers advancing the country’s 2024 Finance Bill have considered provisions raising existing taxes on financial transactions and foreign remittances, along with increased levies on commodities like bread, vegetable oil, and sugar. Lawmakers have also weighed a new tax on motor vehicles, and an “eco levy” on goods like sanitary towels and diapers.
“Today Kenya experienced an unprecedented attack on its democracy, rule of law and the integrity of its constitutional institutions,” Mr. Ruto began. “An otherwise legitimate expression of the fundamental rights and freedoms of assembly, demonstration, picketing, and partitioning of public authorities, by a section of law-abiding citizens of the Republic of Kenya was infiltrated and hijacked by a group of organized criminals.”
The Kenyan president confirmed the clashes had resulted in losses of life, as well as destruction to property and the “desecration” of symbols of Kenyan sovereignty. Mr. Ruto announced he had directed all of Kenya’s national security components to stop future efforts to “undermine the security and stability of our country.”
Mr. Ruto concluded his remarks by vowing “a full, effective, and expeditious response to today’s treasonous events.”
The U.S. Embassy in Nairobi released a press statement in conjunction with the United Kingdom’s High Commission and the embassies of Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Estonia, Norway, and Sweden, expressing their concern over the demonstrations and the security response it evoked.
“As friends and partners to Kenya, we note that Kenya’s constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest,” the multinational statement reads. “All actors have the responsibility to respect, uphold, promote and fulfill the principles of democracy and the rule of law, particularly by ensuring a proportionate security response. We are deeply concerned by the violence witnessed in many parts of the country during the recent protests, and are especially shocked by the scenes witnessed outside the Kenyan Parliament. We regret the tragic loss of life and injuries sustained including by the use of live fire.”
The joint statement also expressed concern over allegations of authorities abducting protesters and welcomed a statement by Chief Justice of Kenya Martha Koome sharing her own concerns over the reported abductions.
“We call for restraint on all sides, and encourage all leaders to find peaceful solutions through constructive dialogue,” the statement by the U.S. embassy and its counterparts concludes.
