39 People Killed and Over 360 Injured in Kenya’s Anti-Tax Protests

At least 39 people have lost their lives and over 360 have been injured in recent anti-government protests in Kenya against a new tax hike. The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) reported these figures, which are higher than the government’s previous count.

The protests, led mainly by young Gen-Z activists, turned violent when lawmakers passed the contentious tax legislation. Following the vote, crowds ransacked the parliament complex in Nairobi, leading to deadly clashes with police.

President William Ruto, who took office in September 2022, has pledged an investigation into the deaths, stating that he does not have ‘blood on my hands.’ The KNCHR condemned the excessive force used by police and the violent acts by some protesters.

Despite the withdrawal of the tax hikes, fresh protests have been called, with activists using hashtags like ‘Occupy Everywhere’ and ‘Ruto must go.’ The Indian Embassy in Kenya has advised its nationals to exercise caution and avoid protest areas.