Kenyan Tax Protests Erupt in Violence, Leaving Hundreds Injured and Arrested
Kenyan protests against proposed tax hikes escalated into violence on Thursday, resulting in at least 200 injuries and over 100 arrests across the country. The nationwide demonstrations targeted the government's plan to raise an additional $2.7 billion through new taxes.
Rights groups, including Amnesty International and the Kenya Medical Association, condemned the police response to the protests. They reported that riot police deployed tear gas, water cannons, and rubber bullets to disperse the crowds. There were also allegations of live ammunition being used, with spent cartridges found at protest sites.
News outlets reported at least one death linked to the protests. An unidentified man succumbed to a gunshot wound sustained during the clashes in Nairobi, the capital city.
The protesters demanded that lawmakers reject the proposed tax legislation, arguing that it would worsen the economic hardships already faced by many Kenyans. The government had previously offered partial concessions, but these were not enough to appease the demonstrators.
The situation in Kenya remains tense, and it is unclear how the government will proceed with the tax bill.
