Nairobi: At least 39 people have died In the recent anti-government protest against the tax hike laws in Kenya, claimed the national rights watchdog. The agitators have planned a fresh protest round this week in East Africa.
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) announced the toll on Monday, which is almost double the figure previously disclosed by the government for those killed while demonstrating against a raft of unpopular tax increases that have now been withdrawn.
The Human rights panel further revealed that 39 people have died and more than 360 have been injured during the nationwide protest, the state-funded body said in a statement, adding that the figures covered the period from June 18 to July 1.
It further stated that there had been 32 cases of “enforced or involuntary disappearances” and 627 arrests of protesters.
Moreover, largely peaceful anti-tax rallies, led by mostly young Gen-Z protesters, descended into shocking scenes of deadly violence last Tuesday when lawmakers passed the contentious legislation.
Later, following the announcement of the vote, crowds ransacked the parliament complex in central Nairobi and it was partly set ablaze as police fired live bullets at protesters.
The Kenya government headed by President William Ruto has faced one of the most serious crises in the face of anti-tax law protests since he took office in September 2022 following a deeply divisive election in a nation often considered a beacon of stability in a turbulent region.
Tax Hike Protests In Kenya Killed At Least 39, Injured Over 360 People: Rights Watchdog world-news World News | Latest International Global World News | Todays Breaking News Headlines
