Kenya Engulfed in Chaos: Protests Erupt into Violence Amid Finance Bill Outrage
Kenya plunged into turmoil on Tuesday as nationwide protests against a controversial finance bill escalated into chaotic scenes of violence, leaving at least five people dead and dozens injured. The unrest, dubbed the "7 Days of Rage," erupted after President William Ruto dismissed the demonstrations as "treasonous," failing to address the mounting public anger over proposed tax hikes that have exacerbated the country's cost-of-living crisis.
In a dramatic turn of events, protesters breached the sanctity of the Kenyan parliament, setting fire to government buildings and stealing a ceremonial mace amidst the melee. Lawmakers were swiftly evacuated as police resorted to tear gas and live rounds to disperse the demonstrators, prompting a harsh rebuke from human rights groups over the heavy-handed response.
Ruto, in a nationwide address, denounced the events as a "grave threat to national security," accusing "criminals pretending to be peaceful protesters" of reigning terror against the people and the nation's democratic institutions. However, his failure to address the contentious finance bill that sparked the widespread discontent has only fueled the growing public outrage.
The protests, initially sparked by the Finance Bill 2024, which proposed a series of tax increases, including a 16% value-added tax on bread and levies on motor vehicles, vegetable oil, and mobile money transfers, have escalated into a broader movement against the rising cost of living. Despite the government's concession to scrap some of the proposed tax hikes, the concessions have proven insufficient to quell the unrest.
In a chilling turn of events, security forces have been accused of abducting prominent Kenyans, including bloggers, content creators, human rights defenders, and even a parliamentary staffer, according to Amnesty International Kenya. The organization has expressed horror at the testimonies of abductions and disappearances, with families left in the dark about the whereabouts of their loved ones.
The violence has drawn international condemnation, with the United Nations Secretary-General calling on Kenyan police and security forces to "exercise restraint." The African Union Commission has also urged all stakeholders to refrain from further violence and engage in constructive dialogue to address the contentious issues that sparked the protests.
The unrest comes at a time when Kenya's standing on the global stage has gained prominence, with the United States recently designating the country as a "major non-NATO ally," the first sub-Saharan African nation to receive this status. However, the scenes of chaos and violence have cast a shadow over this diplomatic milestone, raising concerns about the nation's stability and respect for human rights.
As the "7 Days of Rage" continue, the Kenyan government faces a critical juncture: either address the legitimate grievances of its citizens or risk further escalation of violence and civil unrest. The international community watches with bated breath, urging for a peaceful resolution that upholds the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law.
In the midst of this turmoil, the plight of ordinary Kenyans remains at the forefront as they grapple with the harsh realities of a struggling economy and rising costs of living. The government's response to this crisis will not only shape the nation's immediate future but also its standing on the global stage and its commitment to protecting the fundamental rights of its citizens.