The recent anti-tax protests in Kenya have led to tragic consequences, with at least 39 people killed and over 360 injured, according to a rights watchdog. These demonstrations were sparked by public outrage over increased taxes and the rising cost of living, reflecting widespread discontent with the governments economic policies.The protests have seen clashes between demonstrators and security forces, resulting in significant casualties. Meanwhile, according to the media reports, the activists have geared up for a new round of protests this week in Kenya.The number of those slain while protesting against a number of controversial tax increases that have since been retracted was nearly twice as high as previously revealed by the government, according to a Monday announcement by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).Moreover, when MPs enacted the controversial measure last Tuesday, otherwise calm anti-tax protests organised by primarily young Gen-Z protestors turned into horrifying scenes of lethal violence.When the Kenyan youths (Gen Z) organized nationwide peaceful protests to exercise their democratic right rejecting the proposed 2024/2025 Finance Bill, other groups with criminal minds took advantage of the situation and devised schemes to cause harm and economically frustrate… pic.twitter.com/z7W0i74YkB— DCI KENYA (@DCI_Kenya) July 1, 2024Al Jazeera claimed that after the result was announced, masses stormed the parliament building in central Nairobi, setting it partially on fire while police opened fire on the demonstrators.In particular, it is the worst crisis President William Rutos administration has faced since he assumed office in September 2022.The situation highlights the deepening economic struggles and political tensions in the country. The international community and human rights organisations have expressed concern over the use of force and the need for a peaceful resolution to address the grievances of the Kenyan people.
