Kenya Protests: Fatalities Rise Amid Ruto Tax Hike Crisis

Protests against President William Ruto are still happening in Kenya. Recent clashes have resulted in at least one reported death. These protests began a month ago because of planned tax increases. Even though Ruto withdrew the tax law and fired many cabinet members, the protests continue. This shows that many Kenyans are unhappy with the economy.

Activists want Ruto to resign. They also want big changes to stop corruption and make the government better. These protests are the biggest problem Ruto has faced in his two years as president. Kenya spends over 30% of its money to pay interest on its debt. [Source needed]

Escalating Protests and Government Response

Ruto’s government said it would hold talks to fix the protesters’ problems. But these talks have not yet happened. Many activists have refused to meet. They want quick action to stop corruption and fix other issues. Al Jazeera reported on June 25, 2024, that the protests are due to money problems and anger about the government’s rules (https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2024/6/25/kenya-protests-demonstrators-clash-with-police-as-tax-hikes-take-effect).

Reports suggest some people have been taken or are missing because of the protests. Ruto has promised to look into abuse claims. However, he has mostly defended the police. DW reported on June 25, 2024, that the protests against tax increases have become deadly. They noted that police used force and people were hurt or killed (https://www.dw.com/en/kenya-protests-against-tax-hikes-turn-deadly/a-69523434).

Economic Discontent and International Concerns

The ongoing protests show many Kenyans are not happy with the economy. Ruto’s government says it is being careful with money and trying to get foreign investments. But many Kenyans feel they have not benefited. They think the poor are bearing the brunt of the austerity measures. The rising cost of living and high joblessness, especially for young people, has caused unrest and protests. The government has offered talks but also used force, which has made things worse.

International groups and human rights groups are worried about the police using force during the protests. Human Rights Watch wants investigations into the deaths and injuries during the protests. They said police used too much force on June 27, 2024 (https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/06/27/kenya-investigate-killings-during-protests). They want those responsible to be held accountable. More people are calling for investigations into abuse claims. They also want the government to respect the right to protest peacefully.

Looking Ahead

The situation in Kenya is being watched closely. Countries and groups are asking everyone to talk and find a peaceful solution. If the political problems are not fixed, Kenya’s stability could be at risk. Kenya is a key country in East Africa. The protests show that changes are needed to stop corruption and improve the government, as the activists want.