Kenyan President William Ruto has announced a firm crackdown on “violence and anarchy” following protests against his tax plans, which have caused the death of at least five people according to NGOs. In response to the chaotic situation, marked by an intrusion into Parliament in Nairobi, the government deployed the army.
The police used tear gas, water cannons, plastic and live bullets to disperse the demonstrators. Several NGOs, including Amnesty Kenya, denounced this violence, reporting 31 injuries and 21 kidnappings by officers.
The United States and a dozen European countries expressed their “strong concern” and called for calm. The main opposition coalition, Azimio, condemned the government’s brutal crackdown.
Protesters invaded Parliament after the approval of controversial amendments to the 2024-25 draft budget. Although the authorities regained control of the building, the scenes of chaos left visible traces.
In response, Ruto justified the military’s intervention to protect crucial infrastructure and restore order, while social media played a key role in mobilizing and broadcasting events.
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