Irate protesters set fire to parts of Kenya’s Supreme Court, parliament, and City Hall on Tuesday, as widespread anger over a controversial Finance Bill boiled over into violent demonstrations.
Videos posted by Citizens TV Kenya showed burning vehicles at the Supreme Court premises and protesters vandalizing property inside parliament.
Hundreds of demonstrators forced their way into parliament, breaching police defenses. The protests, sparked by opposition to new taxes on cars, bread, and other commodities, have escalated in recent days.
Earlier on Tuesday, human rights organization Amnesty International condemned the government of President William Ruto for secretly abducting twelve citizens in the past five days amid the unrest.
“Twelve abductions have taken place over the last five days, with an alarming surge last night,” the human rights organisation stated.
The protests, ongoing since last week, turned deadly with the police using water cannons and tear gas, resulting in the death of a 24-year-old protester.
Despite the government’s announcement of adjustments to the Finance Bill, public discontent remains high.
“We have had a robust public engagement on the proposed Finance Bill,” Mr Ruto tweeted on Wednesday. “We have adjusted the document accordingly. We are glad we are having conversations about issues, and our institutions are working. This is how democracies function.”
President Ruto defended the bill, citing the need to address Kenya’s $80 billion national debt and improve revenue generation. He emphasized ongoing public engagement and democratic processes in handling the issue.
Protests continue as Kenyans demand a complete rejection of the bill, showing no signs of backing down despite government assurances.
People’s Gazette
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