The number of deaths in the protests against the tax increase bill in Kenya has increased to 22. According to the statement of Roseline Odede, President of the Kenya National Human Rights Commission, 19 people died and a total of 300 people were injured as a result of the police intervention in the capital Nairobi. “We recorded 22 deaths. We will launch an investigation,” Odede said.
Violent Incidents in Nairobi
During the protests in Kenya’s capital Nairobi, demonstrators broke through the police barrier and stormed the parliament building after the bill was passed. At least 5 people lost their lives during the police intervention. Demonstrators also set fire to the town hall, where Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja’s office is located.
The Government Made Concessions But Did Not Step Back
In the statement made after the protests on Tuesday, June 18, the Kenyan government announced that changes were made to the draft law in line with the public’s reactions. Some of the tax increase proposals were abandoned, but the government argued that the tax increase was necessary for economic revival and debt reduction.
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| Simon Kigondu, President of the Kenya Medical Association | He stated that at least 13 people died in the protests. |
| Kenyan President William Ruto | He argues that tax increases are necessary to reduce dependence on foreign borrowing. |
| Kenyan Finance Minister Njuguna Ndung | He stated that they aim to revitalize the economy and alleviate the debt with the draft law. |
