Kenyan Protests Erupt Over Proposed Tax Hikes, Fueling Calls for President's Resignation

Violence erupted in Kenya following mass protests against planned tax increases, leaving at least 23 people dead and dozens injured. Demonstrations spread across multiple counties, calling for President Ruto's resignation and a political overhaul.

Kenya has been engulfed in a wave of violent protests after the government imposed new tax hikes, leading to widespread outrage and demands for President William Ruto's resignation.

Protesters clashed with police in Nairobi, the capital, on June 25, demanding an immediate halt to the tax increases. The demonstrations quickly spread to other regions, with protests reported in at least 35 of Kenya's 47 counties.

Kenyan Protests Erupt Over Proposed Tax Hikes, Fueling Calls for President's Resignation

The Kenya Medical Association reported a tragic toll of at least 23 deaths and 30 individuals receiving treatment for bullet wounds. The unrest has also resulted in injuries and trauma among medical personnel, with MSF and the Kenya Red Cross reporting attacks on their staff and vehicles.

Despite the deadly confrontations, protesters vowed to continue their demonstrations on Thursday, using the hashtag #tutanethursday (See you on Thursday). The movement has gained significant traction on social media, with many Kenyans expressing anger and frustration over the government's economic policies.

Kenyan Protests Erupt Over Proposed Tax Hikes, Fueling Calls for President's Resignation

The proposed tax hikes have ignited widespread discontent, particularly among low-income Kenyans who fear the additional financial burden. The protests have evolved into a broader call for political change, with demonstrators demanding a government that addresses the needs of the people.

President Ruto, who took office two years ago on a platform of championing Kenya's working poor, has faced mounting pressure to revoke the tax measures. The government has removed some tax hikes from the finance bill but inserted others to bridge a budget gap.

However, protesters remain adamant that the entire bill should be scrapped. They argue that the government has not adequately considered the impact of these taxes on the lives of ordinary Kenyans.

The protests have highlighted the deep economic divide in Kenya, where the IMF has urged deficit reduction to secure financing, while a large portion of the population struggles with rising living costs.

The government has ordered the deployment of the army to assist police in dealing with the unrest. However, there have been no reports of troops on the streets of Nairobi.

International aid organizations have expressed concern over the violence and urged all parties to exercise restraint. MSF has called for a thorough investigation into the attacks on its staff and appealed to all parties to respect the neutrality of humanitarian organizations.