A fresh wave of protests has erupted across Kenya, with reports indicating that 39 people have been killed in the ongoing unrest over tax hikes.
The demonstrations, which began in major cities, have spread nationwide, reflecting widespread public dissatisfaction with the government’s recent fiscal policies.
The protests were sparked by the government’s decision to implement a series of new taxes aimed at increasing revenue and addressing the country’s growing public debt.
Among the measures is a controversial fuel tax, which has led to a sharp increase in the cost of living, exacerbating the already strained economic conditions for many Kenyans.
Eyewitnesses reported violent clashes between protesters and security forces in Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu.
In several instances, police used tear gas and live ammunition to disperse crowds, leading to fatalities and numerous injuries. The use of excessive force by law enforcement has drawn criticism from human rights organizations, who have called for an immediate investigation into the deaths.
In a televised address, President Uhuru Kenyatta defended the tax hikes, stating that they were necessary to stabilize the economy and fund critical infrastructure projects.
He urged citizens to remain peaceful and engage in dialogue rather than resorting to violence. However, his remarks have done little to quell the anger on the streets, where many feel the government is out of touch with the struggles of ordinary people.
Opposition leaders have seized on the unrest to criticize the government’s economic policies, accusing it of mismanagement and corruption.
Raila Odinga, a prominent opposition figure, has called for the immediate repeal of the new taxes and demanded accountability for the deaths of protesters.
He has also urged international bodies to intervene and mediate a resolution to the crisis.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence.
The United Nations and several foreign embassies in Kenya have issued statements urging restraint and calling for respect for human rights.
There are growing fears that the situation could deteriorate further if a peaceful resolution is not reached soon.
As the protests continue, businesses and daily activities have come to a standstill in many parts of the country.
Schools have been closed, and transportation services disrupted, creating further hardship for the population. The government faces mounting pressure to find a solution that addresses the economic grievances of its citizens while restoring order and preventing further loss of life.
