India asks citizens in Kenya to restrict non-essential movement amid rising violence

Amid escalating violence and protests in Kenya against the new tax hike, the Indian embassy in Kenya has issued an advisory to its citizens to restrict non-essential movement. The caution from the country has come amid unrest in Kenya, which has claimed 5 lives and left several injured.

Several casualties have been reported after protestors flooded the street around the Kenyan Parliament, according to the joint statement issued by several human rights groups. However, there is no official statement by Kenyan Police on this.

Why protests are going on in Kenya?

The protests in Kenya are primarily driven by widespread opposition to the proposed Finance Bill 2024, which includes a series of tax hikes intended to increase government revenue. These measures have sparked significant backlash due to the already high cost of living, with many Kenyans struggling to afford necessities. The proposed taxes include VAT on essential items, which protesters argue would exacerbate economic hardship for the average citizen.

In response to the protests, the Kenyan government has scrapped some of the most contentious tax proposals, such as the VAT on bread and taxes on motor vehicles and financial services. Despite these concessions, protests continue as many demonstrators demand the complete withdrawal of the bill.

Meanwhile, embassies and high commissions from Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, Norway, Romania, Sweden, the United Kingdom and the United States has expressed shock over the scenes that have surfaced from outside Kenyan Parliament.