Kenya anti-tax protests leave 39 dead, 361 injured: Watchdog

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) – At least 39 people have been killed in anti-government protests over planned tax hikes, according to a report by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

In a statement late Monday, Roseline Adede, KNCHR’s chairperson, said the deaths were all due to violent clashes between demonstrators and police across the East African country.

“Data from our records indicates that thirty-nine (39) people have died and three hundred and sixty-one (361) injured in relation to the protests countrywide,” Adede said in a statement.

“The Commission continues to condemn in the strongest terms possible the unwarranted violence and force that was inflicted on protesters, medical personnel, lawyers, journalists and on safe spaces such as churches, medical emergency centers and ambulances,” she added.

The announcement comes as predominantly young Kenyans gear up for another round of demonstrations set for Tuesday, citing deep-seated frustrations and demands for government accountability amid the economic hardships many citizens face.

According to the state-funded but independent rights watchdog, the death toll by region is as follows: Nairobi (17), Nakuru (3), Laikipia (1), Narok (1), Kajiado (3), Uasin Gishu (4), Kakamega (1), Kisumu (2), Kisii (1), Mombasa (3), Siaya (1), Kiambu (1) and Nandi (1).

This new death toll contradicts President William Ruto's statement Sunday night, in which he claimed that only 19 people had died during the protests. During the television interview, Ruto maintained that he had no blood on his hands.

There has been heightened security in the wake of widespread unrest in Kenya sparked by Finance Bill 2024.

The protests resulted in widespread looting and property damage throughout the country.

Ruto bowed to public pressure last Wednesday and announced that he would not sign the controversial bill.

Military vehicles and armored personnel carriers have been patrolling Nairobi, with heavily armed soldiers assisting police in preventing chaos, looting and vandalism.