Police in Kenya opened fire during opposition-organized protests against the rising cost of living, resulting in at least two fatalities and 26 injuries, according to health workers and witnesses. The opposition had called for nationwide protests to pressure President William Ruto into repealing a finance law that imposed new taxes. President Ruto had vowed to confront opposition leader Raila Odinga and prevent any protests from taking place. Hospitals in Kisumu and Nairobi confirmed the deaths and treated numerous individuals with gunshot wounds.
In the capital’s Mathare area, The Associated Press witnessed three people being shot, with one sustaining a shoulder injury and the others wounded in the legs. Additionally, four protesters were injured in Mathare, according to an anonymous police officer. In Kangemi, a health records worker reported that two young men were brought to a clinic with gunshot wounds. The protests also spread to Nakuru, where four individuals were admitted to the hospital with gunshot wounds, while another person was cut and injured. Over 300 people were arrested during the protests, facing charges that include looting, property destruction, and assaulting police.
The opposition denounced the arrests of elected leaders and associates of Odinga, considering it an attempt by the Ruto administration to undermine their movement. The opposition announced that protests would continue on Thursday. The Media Council of Kenya accused police of posing as journalists to apprehend protesters, calling it a grave act of unprofessional conduct.
Schools and businesses in Nairobi remained closed as police utilized tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters. Demonstrations were reported in various parts of the country, particularly in Migori and Kisii counties where the opposition enjoys significant support. Although the police claimed the protests were illegal due to the lack of a permit, the right to peaceful protests is protected by the Kenyan constitution.
Last week, similar protests resulted in at least 10 deaths, as reported by watchdogs and confirmed by a police officer. Many others were injured, including 53 children who experienced shock after tear gas was deployed within their school compound. Religious leaders have called for dialogue between the government and the opposition to end the protests, with Catholic bishops urging the president to repeal the contentious finance law to prevent further bloodshed.
The finance law, which raised fuel prices to record highs through a doubling of value added tax on petroleum products to 16%, has faced opposition and legal challenges. Despite a court order suspending the implementation of the taxes, the prices have been enforced. Kenyans, such as Nairobi resident Wycliffe Onyango, are struggling with the soaring cost of living, as their entire earnings are consumed by basic necessities. The International Monetary Fund has hailed the law’s approval as a crucial step in reducing Kenya’s debt vulnerabilities.
Envoys from 13 Western countries issued a joint statement calling for dialogue and expressing concern over the loss of lives and property destruction. The Kenya Medical Association highlighted the significant number of injured and fatalities resulting from recent protests and the limited access to healthcare facilities, which has led to increased mortality. Human Rights Watch urged political leaders to refrain from labeling protesters as terrorists and to respect the right to peaceful demonstrations, while also condemning the use of force and live ammunition by the police.
