Kenya's President Ruto deploys military amid anti-tax protests after parliament breach, sparking clashes and calls for his resignation.
In a dramatic escalation of tensions, President William Ruto of Kenya has ordered the deployment of military forces to suppress anti-tax protesters who stormed the country’s parliament on Tuesday. The move comes in response to widespread demonstrations against a contentious finance bill that seeks to implement significant tax increases across various sectors.
The protests, initially peaceful, turned violent as demonstrators breached security and vandalized the parliament building, setting fire to sections of the complex. Security forces responded with tear gas and live ammunition, resulting in at least five deaths and numerous injuries, according to reports.
President Ruto, addressing the nation in a televised speech, condemned the breach of parliament as "treasonous" and emphasized the government's duty to maintain law and order. The deployment of the military under constitutional provisions aimed to support the overstretched National Police Service amidst what he termed a "security emergency."
The finance bill, already passed by parliament and pending presidential assent, aims to generate approximately $2.7 billion in additional revenue to alleviate Kenya's mounting national debt. However, its proposals have sparked outrage among citizens already grappling with a high cost of living exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, global economic downturns, and local droughts.
Protesters, chanting slogans demanding Ruto's resignation, have criticized the government for its perceived insensitivity to the plight of ordinary Kenyans. The demonstrations, which began peacefully in Nairobi and other cities, quickly escalated into clashes with security forces in several urban centers, including Eldoret, Mombasa, Kisumu, and Garissa.
The opposition boycotted the parliamentary vote on the finance bill, underscoring deep political divisions and public discontent. Civil society groups and opposition leaders have accused Ruto's administration of ignoring public welfare while prioritizing fiscal consolidation at the expense of social programs.
International observers, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF), have urged Kenya to implement fiscal reforms to stabilize its economy. However, critics argue that the government's handling of the protests risks further inflaming tensions and undermining democratic norms.
As Kenya braces for continued unrest, the deployment of military forces underscores the precarious balance Ruto faces between maintaining political stability and addressing public grievances.
