The escalating protests across Kenya led to a shocking incident on Wednesday, when police launched tear gas into a school, resulting in 53 children requiring emergency hospitalisation in Nairobi. According to Dr Aron Shikuku from Eagle Nursing Home hospital, all of the children were released after receiving treatment for breathing difficulties and shock.
The nationwide demonstrations, instigated by the opposition over the spiralling cost of living, turned deadly, with confirmed fatalities reaching six according to government sources. Human rights organisations, however, estimate the death toll to be 12, with numerous additional injuries reported.
Two of the fatalities occurred after protestors set a police station alight. Another death was reported following an attack on a police van along the Nairobi Expressway on the city’s outskirts. The protests, officially banned but driven forward by public fury over economic issues, continued to grip the nation despite increasing tensions.
Kenyans have been rallying against a new finance bill that introduces tax increases, including a doubling of fuel taxes and a 1.5% levy on all employees to fund new housing. The government maintains these measures are crucial to service debts and stimulate job opportunities for the country’s youth, although these laws have been suspended by a court due to constitutional concerns.
Defeated in last year’s election by Mr Ruto, opposition leader Raila Odinga has been pushing the government to reverse the tax hikes. Last month he urged civil disobedience and labelled proponents of the finance bill as “traitors”.
While a rally of the Azimio la Umoja-One Kenya Coalition Party was scheduled for Wednesday, Odinga called it off to prevent further violence. In a statement on Tuesday, Policing boss Japhet Koome warned that “all lawful means” would be deployed to disperse the protests, according to the AFP news agency.
Wednesday’s clash between police and demonstrators followed closely on the heels of anti-government protests last Friday, which saw multiple fatalities and allegations of excessive force used by Kenyan police.
Opinion among Kenyans remains divided on the protests, with some backing them due to the rising cost of living becoming unsustainable. Meanwhile, others are increasingly alarmed by incidents of looting. “They were able to access the tills, they looted some cash and merchandise. It’s a little chaotic, very chaotic,” James Kagimi Wanjema, a supermarket manager, told Reuters.
The latest wave of unrest, marked by lethal force and heightened public tension, comes as a test to the current government, which stands accused of turning a blind eye to the economic struggles of its citizens. As Kenyans continue to voice their discontent, the question of how the government will respond to these widespread protests remains.
Image Credit: AP Photo
