June 26th 2024.
The city of Nairobi in Kenya was filled with the lingering smell of tear gas as the citizens woke up on Wednesday. The previous day, violent protests had erupted over a controversial tax plan, resulting in the storming of the parliament building and the tragic loss of six lives.
Thankfully, as the day began, there were no reports of any violence. The streets were patrolled by both police and soldiers, while city workers started the difficult task of cleaning up the debris left behind by the chaos. Important government buildings such as parliament, city hall, and the supreme court were all cordoned off with tape, labeled as a "Crime Scene" and warning people not to enter.
In response to the unrest, President William Ruto declared the events as treasonous and declared that he would do whatever it takes to quell the situation. This led to the deployment of the military overnight to support the police force.
The protests in Kenya had been ongoing for over a week, with citizens expressing their frustration over a proposed finance bill that would increase taxes and add to the already high cost of living. Many young people, who had once cheered for Ruto and his promises of economic relief, were now taking to the streets to voice their objections to these reforms.
On Tuesday, thousands of protesters stormed the parliament building, setting parts of it on fire and causing legislators to flee. In response, the police fired shots, resulting in the death of several protesters. The city mortuary confirmed receiving six bodies from the police that day.
The use of force by the police was also reported in the suburb of Githurai, where over 700 blanks were fired to disperse the protesters. Videos of the gunshots ringing through the night were widely shared on social media, causing even more outrage.
According to civil society groups, over 100 people were injured during the protests, and the number of arrests is still unknown. The United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, expressed his deep sadness over the reports of deaths and injuries. He urged the Kenyan authorities to show restraint and called for peaceful demonstrations.
The city of Nairobi, known as a regional hub for expatriates and home to a United Nations complex, has been facing increasing inequality among its citizens. This, coupled with the long-standing issue of state corruption, has only added to the frustrations of the people.
The opposition against the finance bill has united a large part of the country, with many rejecting the tribal divisions that have caused turmoil in the past. Even those who had once passionately supported Ruto now feel betrayed.
Amidst all this chaos, the Kenyan newspaper, Daily Nation, called for dialogue and urged everyone to "reason together." Similarly, a local broadcaster, Citizen TV, hosted a discussion titled "A Nation on the Brink," with panelists calling on the government to engage with the public and address their concerns. The situation in Kenya is dire, and it is crucial for all parties to come together to find a peaceful resolution.
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