39 killed, over 360 injured in anti-tax protests in Kenya: rights watchdog

At least 39 people have lost their lives in recent anti-government protests against new tax hikes in Kenya, Al Jazeera reported, citing a national rights watchdog.

Activists have prepared for a new round of protests this week in Kenya.

The Kenya National Commission for Human Rights (KNCHR) on Monday announced a death toll that is almost double the number previously reported by the government of those killed while protesting against an unpopular tax hike, which has now been withdrawn.

KNCHR records show that 39 people have been killed and 361 injured “in connection with protests across the country,” the state-funded body said in a statement, adding that the figures cover the period from June 18 to July 1, Al Jazeera reported.

It further said there were 32 cases of “forced or involuntary disappearances” of protesters and 627 arrests.

Moreover, when lawmakers passed the controversial bill last Tuesday, largely peaceful anti-tax rallies led by mostly young Generation-Z protesters devolved into shocking scenes of deadly violence.

Later, after the vote was announced, a mob vandalised the parliament complex in central Nairobi and the complex was partially set on fire as police opened fire on protesters, Al Jazeera reported.

Notably, it is the most serious crisis facing the government of President William Ruto since he/she took office in September 2022 after a deeply divisive election in a nation often regarded as a beacon of stability in the troubled region.

Ruto said in a television interview on Sunday that 19 people had been killed in the protests, but insisted he/she had “no blood on his/her hands” and promised an investigation into the deaths.

The rights body said the KNCHR “strongly condemns the unjustified violence and use of force against protesters, medical personnel, lawyers, journalists and safe places such as churches, medical emergency centres and ambulances.”

“We believe the force used against protesters was excessive and disproportionate,” it said.

The watchdog also said it strongly condemns the violent and shocking lawlessness displayed by some protesters, including at Parliament and other government buildings.

Besides, activists have called for fresh protests from Tuesday, while Ruto last week announced he/she would not sign the tax hike bill.

Additionally, pamphlets have been posted on social media with the hashtags “Occupy Everywhere”, “Ruto Must Go” and “Reject Budgeted Corruption”.

India has also issued an advisory for its citizens in Kenya after protests against tax hike turned violent, leading to unrest in the African country.

The Indian Embassy in Kenya had earlier advised Indian citizens there to “exercise extreme caution, restrict unnecessary movement and avoid areas affected by protests and violence until the situation becomes clear.”

“Given the current tense situation, all Indians in Kenya are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict unnecessary movement and avoid areas affected by protests and violence until the situation becomes clearer,” the embassy said.