In Nairobi, capital of Kenya, protests against the rising cost of living escalated on Thursday, resulting in the death of one person and injuries to 39 others, according to Kenyan police.
Rex Kanyike Masai, 29, was fatally shot during demonstrations against a controversial finance bill proposing increased taxes on various items. Protesters argue that the bill will exacerbate economic hardships for citizens.
Police have launched an investigation into the shooting, which occurred in Nairobi’s central business district. Meanwhile, the Kenya Red Cross Society reported that among the injured, eight individuals in critical condition were evacuated to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialized treatment. One police officer sustained a hip injury after falling while escaping from the crowd.
Authorities managed to prevent protesters from accessing the parliament building, where legislators debated the contentious bill. Unlike Tuesday’s protests, which were confined to Nairobi, Thursday’s demonstrations spread to major towns across the country. Protesters have called for a national strike on June 25.
“Tuesday, 25th June: #OccupyParliament and Total Shutdown Kenya. A national strike,” read a widely shared poster by protesters online. “Parents, keep your children at home in solidarity.”
President William Ruto announced on Tuesday that the government had dropped proposals to impose new taxes on vegetable oil and a levy on various finished products contributing to electronic waste harming the environment. The tax proposals removed from the bill included a 16% value-added tax on bread, transportation of sugar, foreign exchange transactions, financial services, and a 2.5% motor vehicle tax.
However, protesters demand a total rejection of the bill, alleging hidden clauses that would still burden citizens with additional taxes.
Police Inspector General Japhet Koome stated on Thursday that while the right to assemble would be respected, protesters would not be allowed to access critical government infrastructure or disrupt parliamentary proceedings.
Observers suggest that the protests, dubbed “Occupy Parliament,” could intensify, prompting calls for police restraint.
Reference(s):
1 killed, 39 injured in protests against rising costs in Kenya
cgtn.com
