Unrest in Nairobi: Police Use Live Bullets on Tax Protesters

• In Nairobi, Kenya, police fired live bullets at anti-government demonstrators rallying against proposed new taxes, including an eco-levy on products like sanitary towels. Last week’s protests resulted in two deaths, with more demonstrations continuing amidst Parliament’s deliberation on the finance Bill.
• The Kenya Human Rights Commission condemned the police actions, sharing footage of officers firing on protesters and demanding accountability for any violations. Reports from civil society groups, including the Kenya Law Society, allege police abductions of activists and other individuals critical of the government.
• Parliament Speaker Moses Wetangula has called for information on individuals allegedly abducted by police, responding to widespread concerns of extrajudicial actions. President William Ruto, currently at an African Union retreat, expressed support for protesters’ democratic rights while facing criticism for government crackdowns.

Unrest in Nairobi: Police Use Live Bullets on Tax Protesters

In Nairobi, Kenya, tensions escalated on Tuesday as police fired live ammunition at demonstrators protesting proposed new taxes outlined in a controversial finance bill.

The protests, which have already claimed lives last week, saw renewed vigor despite public outcry and international attention.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in Nairobi to oppose the finance bill, particularly the eco-levy targeting items like sanitary towels and nappies, which would increase their prices.

Although a proposal to tax bread was withdrawn following public outcry, protesters continue to demand the bill’s rejection by Parliament.

During the demonstrations, reports emerged of police firing live bullets at protesters, although there were no immediate casualties reported on Tuesday.

Last week’s protests resulted in two fatalities, prompting widespread condemnation and calls for accountability.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission condemned the use of force by police, sharing a video on social media documenting officers shooting at protesters.

They called for those responsible, directly or indirectly, to face consequences, labeling the government’s actions as an assault on democracy.

Addressing President William Ruto, according to Irish News, the commission criticized what they perceived as a slide towards tyranny and demanded accountability for all involved in the shootings.

Faith Odhiambo, president of the Kenya Law Society, raised serious allegations of human rights abuses, claiming that 50 Kenyans, including her personal assistant, were abducted by individuals believed to be police officers.

She highlighted cases of extrajudicial killings, torture, and enforced disappearances targeting vocal demonstrators and civil society figures.

Civil society groups reported that individuals critical of the government were forcibly taken from their homes, workplaces, and public spaces ahead of Tuesday’s protests.

In response to the allegations, Parliament Speaker Moses Wetangula directed the inspector-general of police to provide information on the whereabouts of those allegedly abducted.

President William Ruto, currently attending an African Union retreat, previously expressed support for the demonstrators’ rights to peaceful protest, promising engagement on their concerns.

The situation in Nairobi underscores deep-seated public discontent over economic policies and their social impacts.

As protests persist and international scrutiny intensifies, there is growing pressure on Kenyan authorities to address human rights violations, ensure accountability for security forces, and engage constructively with the public on economic policies affecting daily life.

The outcome of Parliament’s decision on the finance bill will likely have significant implications for public trust in governance and security in Kenya.