On Tuesday (June 25), thousands of protesters in Kenya stormed the parliament building, setting fire to some parts of it, according to Associated Press. Now social media users around the world are calling for more discussion about what is happening in the African country.
But the question remains: WHAT exactly caused these protests and the escalation on Tuesday? Here’s a breakdown of what’s happening, the impact so far, and the ultimate goal of the protests.
Support for Kenya’s President is changing
According to AP, President William Ruto came to power by appealing to ordinary people, calling himself a “shooter” and promising to ease economic suffering. A country Officials swore him in to take up his role in September 2022. Less than two years later, support for him has changed dramatically.
President Ruto has delivered on his promise to pursue policies aimed at putting more money in the pockets of Kenyans. When his government removed crucial subsidies on fuel and maize flour, many Kenyans saw it as a betrayal.
Ruto, now fabulously wealthy, often calls on Kenyans to tighten their belts. But him state visit to the USA In May, he sparked controversy when he chartered a luxury private jet instead of using the presidential jet or Kenya’s national carrier. Ruto later said friends paid for the charter plane, but he did not name them.
Police response to protests
As mentioned, on Tuesday, part of parliament burned down as protesters broke in and lawmakers fled. The AP reports that bodies lay in the streets when police opened fire, according to testimony from medical workers and guard dogs.
At least five people were shot while treating the wounded, according to the Kenya Medical Association. More than 30 people were injured, at least 13 by live bullets.
Police also fired live ammunition and threw tear gas canisters at protesters who sought medical attention at a medical tent at a nearby church. Elsewhere in the city, Kenyatta National Hospital said it had received 45 “victims.”
Finance bill at center of chaos
The country’s youth, in particular, have strongly opposed the finance bill, which was first announced on June 18. They suggested it would worsen Kenya’s economic problems, including the already high cost of living.
However, lawmakers believe the finance bill should increase or impose taxes or levies on a range of everyday goods and services. This list includes internet data, fuel, bank transfers and diapers. As anger grows, some of the bill’s measures have already been reversed.
However, lawmakers moved ahead and passed the decision in a second round of voting amid opposition. The bill is now awaiting President Ruto’s signature and he is expected to sign it this week, according to the AP. He has two weeks to act, but apparently faces calls from protesters, religious and other leaders to think again.
For context, these proposals are part of the Kenyan government’s efforts to raise an additional $2.7 billion in domestic revenue. The government says the changes are needed to pay interest on the national debt, reduce the budget deficit and keep the government running.
How the protests began and escalated into the arson of parliament
Please note that this is not the first time President Ruto’s finance bill has faced opposition. The Finance Bill 2023, signed into law by Ruto, also proved unpopular, although anger did not escalate in the same way. This bill created a housing payroll tax.
Since June 18, young Kenyans have been organizing on social media and taking to the streets. Their actions have included peaceful street demonstrations to pressure the government to scrap the financial bill altogether.
The protests began in Nairobi but spread to other parts of Kenya, including the Indian Ocean city of Mombasa and even Eldoret.
In accordance with TMZFormer US President Barack Obama’s half-sister, Auma Obama, has become embroiled in the escalating conflict. Bye CNN interviewed herAuma was tear gassed on the streets of the capital.
Response from the President of Kenya
Responding to the incident in Parliament, President Ruto called It is a threat to national security and has reportedly vowed that such unrest will not happen again “at any cost.”
“Today’s events mark a critical turning point in how we respond to threats to our national security,” Ruto said, calling the developments “treasonous.”
Ruto was outside Nairobi attending an African Union retreat.
Kenya’s defense minister said officials had deployed the military to support police during a “security emergency” and a “breach of critical infrastructure.”
RELATED: Kenyan Police Discover 73 Bodies of Suspected Christian Cult Followers Who Starved Themselves to ‘Go to Heaven’
Associated Press writers Rodney Muhumuza and Evelyn Musambi contributed to this report.
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