The United States, United Kingdom, Germany and 10 other western countries have urged calm a day after anti-tax protests in Kenya turned deadly with at least 13 people killed.
Days of demonstrations during which protestors demand a reversal of new taxes on certain items turned bloody on Tuesday after police fired live rounds and demonstrators stormed the national Parliament building.
Rights watchdogs have also accused the authorities of abducting protesters.
International Concern
The embassies and high commissions of United Kingdom, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Ireland, Netherlands, Norway, Estonia, Sweden, Romania, United States of America released a statement Wednesday calling for calm.
The statement acknowledged Kenya’s constitutional right to peaceful protest and also stressed the importance of upholding the rule of law and ensuring a proportionate response by security forces.
“As friends and partners to Kenya, we note that Kenya’s constitution guarantees the right to peaceful protest. All actors have the responsibility to respect, uphold, promote and fulfil the principles of democracy and the rule of law, particularly by ensuring a proportionate security response,” they said.
“We are deeply concerned by the violence witnessed in many parts of the country during the recent protests, and are especially shocked by the scenes witnessed outside the Kenyan Parliament. We regret the tragic loss of life and injuries sustained including by the use of live fire. We welcome the statement released by the Hon Chief Justice Martha Koome and are deeply concerned by allegations of abductions of protestors.
“We welcome civic engagement by all Kenyans, in particular the youth, in addressing issues of vital public concern. We call for restraint on all sides, and encourage all leaders to find peaceful solutions through constructive dialogue.”
UN chief Antonio Guterres and the head of the African Union commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, have also expressed deep concern.
Gen-Z Rallies
The youth-led rallies began peacefully last week in Nairobi and across Kenya, protesting tax increases. However, tensions escalated on Tuesday afternoon when police fired live rounds at crowds that later ransacked the parliament complex. Parts of parliament were set ablaze.
Defence Minister Aden Bare Duale said the military had been deployed, and President Ruto warned of a tough response against “violence and anarchy,” calling some demonstrators “criminals.”
“It is not in order or even conceivable that criminals pretending to be peaceful protesters can reign terror against the people, their elected representatives and the institutions established under our constitution and expect to go scot-free,” he said.
High Cost of living
Kenya is one of East Africa’s most vibrant economies, but a third of its 52 million people live in poverty.
Grievances over the rising cost of living intensified last week as lawmakers debated tax hikes in the 2024 finance bill.
The government, facing a massive debt of 10 trillion shillings ($78 billion), claims the increases are necessary to manage the debt, which is about 70% of Kenya’s GDP.
After removing some controversial proposals affecting bread, car ownership, and financial services, the government plans to raise fuel prices and export duties.
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