Kenya’s president, William Ruto, deployed the military yesterday to crack down on what he called “treasonous” protesters after millions of young demonstrators, furious over the passage of tax increases, flooded the streets of the capital, Nairobi, stormed the Parliament building and set fire to the entrance.
The police fired tear gas and guns. At least five people were reported dead from gunshot wounds, and more than 30 others were injured, according to a joint statement by Amnesty International, the human rights group, and several Kenyan civic organizations. The numbers could not be immediately confirmed by The Times.
Kenyans have widely criticized the bill, saying that it would drive up the cost of living for millions. But the government has argued that the legislation was crucial to securing revenue for important initiatives.
Other protests: The demonstrations spread beyond Nairobi, as protesters blocked streets with burning tires in Nakuru, a city some 100 miles away. Last week, at least one person was killed and 200 others were injured across the country, Amnesty International said. In recent days, the government has been accused of abducting critics and making mass arrests.
What’s next: Ruto now has two weeks to sign the legislation into law or send it back to Parliament for revisions.
