LONDON — Police allegedly fired live ammunition at anti-government protesters in Kenya‘s capital on Tuesday, as thousands of people demonstrated against proposed tax hikes in the East African nation.
Mathias Kinyoda, spokesperson for Amnesty International in Kenya, told ABC News the death toll from Tuesday’s clashes between police and protesters in Nairobi was at least eight people, but said it was still too early to say with certainty.
Images and videos circulating online purportedly show several protesters with bullet wounds in the Kenyan capital.
Protesters react after being pushed by Kenya Police officers while demonstrating during a nationwide strike to protest against tax hikes and the Finance Bill 2024 in downtown Nairobi, on June 25, 2024.
Luis Tato/AFP via Getty Images
The Kenya Human Rights Commission posted video on the social media platform X showing police shooting at protesters as they marched near Nairobi City Hall. The watchdog body said its staff witnessed at least one protester die from the gunshots.
“We strongly condemn the police killing,” the Kenya Human Rights Commission wrote in a post on X. “Such actions are unacceptable and constitute a grave violation of human rights. Justice and accountability are imperative. We will vigorously push for police accountability.”
Scores of protesters were seen breaching the complex housing Kenya’s Parliament, where lawmakers had just voted to approve a contentious finance bill that raises some taxes. A section of the building was set on fire, forcing lawmakers to evacuate.
People attend a demonstration against Kenya’s proposed finance bill 2024/2025 in Nairobi, Kenya, June 25, 2024.
Monicah Mwangi/Reuters
The demonstrations have also been taking place nationwide, including in Kenyan President William Ruto’s hometown of Eldoret.
At least 12 people have been allegedly abducted or have forcibly disappeared in connection to the ongoing protests, according to Kenya’s Police Reforms Working Group. The abductions reportedly occurred over the past five days, intensifying on Monday. In a statement posted on X, Kenyan Chief Justice Martha Koome said the reports of protesters being abducted are of “deep concern” and a “direct assault on the rule of law.”
A protester kicks a tear gas canister while demonstrating during a nationwide strike to protest against tax hikes and the Finance Bill 2024 in downtown Nairobi, on June 25, 2024.
Luis Tato/AFP via Getty Images
Several notable Kenyan figures have joined in the nationwide demonstrations, including former U.S. President Barack Obama’s half-sister, Auma Obama, who was among those protesting in Nairobi on Tuesday. Auma Obama, 64, was with a group of protesters being interviewed by CNN on a live broadcast when they were apparently tear-gassed.
The controversial legislation in question is aimed at raising $2.7 billion in revenue to alleviate debt and reduce borrowing. But critics argue corruption and greed at the hands of Kenya’s politicians have stolen money from the economy and that ordinary people should not be the ones to pay the price.
Following protests last Tuesday, Ruto’s office announced they made amendments to the bill “in account of the views of the people and other stakeholders during public participation sessions.”
