Riots in Nairobi: Protests Against Tax Hikes Lead to Parliament Storming
In Nairobi, the capital of Kenya, massive protests against tax increases culminated in the storming of the parliament building. This followed the vote by Kenyan lawmakers in favor of a budget that includes new tax measures.
World
02.07.2024, 11:13
Share:
Riots in Nairobi: Protests Against Tax Hikes Lead to Parliament Storming
According to the STAR, protesters, chanting "traitors," broke through police barricades and used smoke grenades. They set a police car on fire, damaged the parliamentary fence, stormed the building, set it ablaze, and tore down the national flag.
Use of Force by Police
Nairobi Police Chief Adamson Bungei reported that at least four people were shot and hospitalized. The police's use of tear gas and rubber bullets also resulted in numerous injuries. Various reports indicate that up to ten people died, and at least fifty were injured during the protests.
Anti-Government Protests
The wave of protests began in mid-June when the government announced plans to increase taxes on various goods and services. Specifically, the proposals included a 16% VAT on bread purchases, sugar transport, mobile and financial services, foreign exchange transactions, and excise duties on vegetable oil and vehicles.
President William Ruto expressed readiness for dialogue with the protesters but emphasized that all negotiations would occur within the constitutional framework. Meanwhile, according to *Citizen Digital*, the protests have resulted in multiple fatalities and injuries.
In response to the protests, the Kenyan government declared a state of emergency. According to Defense Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, this decision was made due to the security crisis and infrastructure damage. The Kenya Defense Forces were deployed to support law enforcement.
President Ruto stated that all national security forces are mobilized to protect citizens' property and ensure their safety. He emphasized that the initially peaceful protests had escalated into acts of violence and vandalism, and all responsible parties would be held accountable.
Injured Prominent Figures
Among those injured by the police was journalist Auma Obama, the half-sister of former U.S. President Barack Obama. She was hurt when the police used tear gas against protesters. In an interview, she expressed outrage over the police's harsh tactics against young people, who were merely carrying flags and banners.
Escalation of the Situation
The events of June 25 led to significant destruction in Nairobi. Protesters stormed the parliament building, forcing lawmakers to evacuate through underground tunnels. Fires broke out in the city, including at the city council building. The protests also disrupted internet services, affecting neighboring countries.
Future of the Protests
Although some of the proposed tax measures have been removed from the budget draft, the protests continue. The parliament is set to approve the final version of the budget on June 30, and it remains uncertain whether this will lead to a de-escalation of the situation.
Latest news
In Russia, an Uzbek national died after being left in the woods by police officers
Uzbekistan
09.09.2024, 14:55
Who is a journalist in Uzbekistan?
Uzbekistan
14.08.2024, 10:30
Olympic diary: Two athletes qualified for the finals
Sport
05.08.2024, 11:49
6 billion spent on the "World Sounds" festival revealed
Cultural
05.08.2024, 10:31
What's the weather like for the start of the week?
Uzbekistan
05.08.2024, 10:15
Citizens faced punishment from the governor
Uzbekistan
03.08.2024, 13:23
A Chinese doctor executed a surgical procedure 5000 kilometers distant
Science and technology
01.08.2024, 09:40
What weather to expect in Uzbekistan this August?
Uzbekistan
31.07.2024, 12:00
A five-year-old boy enrolled in a kindergarten in Bukhara was subjected to physical assault
Uzbekistan
31.07.2024, 10:38
Nearly half of the applicants did not pass the test
Education
27.07.2024, 14:16
Georgia: The "Foreign Agents" Law and Its Consequences According to an Expert
World
02.07.2024, 11:16