Kenyan President William Ruto blasted the shocking protests that erupted on Tuesday, branding them “treasonous” after parliament was stormed and at least five people were shot dead. However, he stayed mum on the controversial finance bill that ignited the nationwide fury.
Kenya is engulfed in turmoil over proposed tax hikes, culminating in a “total shutdown” of the country on Tuesday that spiraled into violence. Police clashed with demonstrators, deploying tear gas and live ammunition.
In a scene of chaos, witnesses reported two lifeless bodies in Nairobi as enraged protesters breached parliament. Disturbingly, Kenyan police were seen assaulting and later detaining paramedics aiding the injured.
Addressing the nation after the parliament blaze, Ruto declared Tuesday’s events a dire threat to “national security,” accusing dangerous elements of hijacking the finance bill debate.
Reports confirmed that at least five individuals were shot dead and 31 others wounded in the mayhem.
Adding to the outrage, a joint statement accused police of firing at a medical emergency center within a church.
The Finance Bill 2024 has sparked the “7 Days of Rage,” a wave of demonstrations as citizens protest the proposed tax increases.
Alarming accusations also surfaced against security forces, alleged to have abducted prominent Kenyans with significant social media influence. Amnesty International Kenya is probing the disappearances of up to 12 individuals reportedly snatched in the dead of night before Tuesday’s protests.
Among the missing are bloggers, content creators, human rights defenders, a doctor, and a parliamentary staffer, according to Amnesty Kenya’s executive director Irũngũ Houghton.
“We are horrified by the testimonies we have heard over the last 24 hours. About 12 people are unaccounted for, taken by uniformed or non-uniformed individuals,” Houghton said, noting that they have not received legal aid and their families are in the dark about their whereabouts.
“We are now witnessing not just abductions but disappearances,” he added.
A number of Kenyans were also shot dead on the street (graphic video below).
Rumours are also spreading that there are killings of more Kenyans in the city of Githurai.
Heartbreaking: Githurai 45 turned into a war zone. Over 22 Kenyans have been massacred. #StopGithuraiKillings pic.twitter.com/yqXoBw2JOB
— Duke Mtambo⚡️ (@dukemtambo) June 26, 2024
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