Crowd Burns Parliament: What sparked Kenya’s brutal protests?

The situation in Nairobi turned chaotic on Tuesday as brutal protests erupted against President William Ruto’s government. This led to the burning of part of the parliament building and calls for the president’s resignation. The unrest represents one of the most severe challenges to Kenya’s government in decades, with tensions escalating over a contentious finance bill.

Protests turned violent when protesters stormed into parliament as lawmakers hastily fled and parts of the building went up in flames. Reports from medical personnel and human rights groups allege that police fired on demonstrators, resulting in casualties. The military has been deployed to quell the unrest, underscoring the severity of the situation.

Image: Britannica

The catalyst for the unrest is a finance bill proposed by the government to raise taxes on essential items such as internet data, fuel, bank transfers, and even diapers. The bill, aimed at generating an additional $2.7 billion in domestic revenue, has sparked widespread outrage among Kenyans already struggling with high living costs. Despite public outcry and warnings from religious leaders, lawmakers passed the bill, which President Ruto is expected to sign into law.

Fueling the protests is a grassroots movement predominantly led by young Kenyans mobilized through social media. The movement began peacefully but has escalated following the tabling of the finance bill on June 18. Demonstrations have spread beyond Nairobi to cities like Mombasa and Eldoret, traditionally strongholds of support for President Ruto, reflecting the broad discontentment with the government’s economic policies.

Criticism of President Ruto’s Economic Policies

Since assuming office in 2022, President Ruto has faced mounting criticism for his handling of economic policies and taxation. Once hailed as a champion of the common people (“hustlers”), Ruto’s popularity has waned as his administration removed subsidies on fuel and maize flour, exacerbating economic hardships for ordinary Kenyans. Critics accuse Ruto of authoritarian tendencies, particularly after his confrontations with the judiciary over tax proposals, which have been perceived as undermining democratic principles.

Calls for President Ruto’s resignation have intensified, with protesters and opposition leaders alike demanding accountability and a change in leadership. The unfolding crisis poses significant challenges to Kenya’s political stability and raises questions about the country’s future direction under Ruto’s presidency.

India issued a cautionary advisory to its citizens in Kenya amidst ongoing violent protests against the government’s proposed tax hikes. “In view of the prevailing tense situation, all Indians in Kenya are advised to exercise utmost caution, restrict non-essential movement and avoid the areas affected by the protests and violence until the situation clears up,” the Indian consulate in Kenya said in an advisory posted on the social media platform X.

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