The number of victims is almost double the number previously released by the government, as activists prepare for a new round of protests this week.
At least 39 people have been killed in recent anti-government protests in Kenya, the national rights watchdog says, as activists prepare for a new round of protests this week.
The death toll, announced on Monday by the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR), is almost double the number previously released by the government for those killed while protesting a series of unpopular tax increases that have now been withdrawn.
KNCHR records indicate that 39 people died and 361 were injured “in relation to protests across the country”, the state-funded body said in a statement, adding that the figures cover the period from June 18 to July 1.
He added that there were 32 cases of “forced or involuntary disappearances” and 627 arrests of protesters.
Largely peaceful anti-tax rallies — led largely by young Gen Z protesters — resulted in shocking scenes of deadly violence last Tuesday as lawmakers approved controversial legislation.
After the vote was announced, crowds ransacked the parliament complex in central Nairobi and it was partially set on fire when police fired live bullets at protesters.
It is the most serious crisis President William Ruto’s government has faced since he took office in September 2022, following deeply divisive elections in a nation often seen as a beacon of stability in a turbulent region.
In a television interview on Sunday, Ruto said 19 people had died in the protests, but insisted he had “no blood on his hands” and promised an investigation into the deaths.
KNCHR “continues to condemn in the strongest possible terms the unjustified violence and force that has been inflicted on protesters, medical personnel, lawyers, journalists and safe spaces such as churches, emergency medical centers and ambulances,” the body said. defending human rights.
“We maintain that the force used against protesters was excessive and disproportionate.”
The watchdog also said it “strongly condemns the violent and shocking acts of lawlessness that were displayed by some of the protesters,” including at parliament and other government buildings.
New protests were called by activists from Tuesday, despite Ruto announcing last week that he would not sign into law the bill containing the tax increases.
Flyers were posted on social media with the hashtags “Occupy Everywhere”, “Ruto must go” and “Reject Budgeted Corruption”.
Kenya’s cash-strapped government had previously stated that tax increases were necessary to pay off a huge public debt of around 10 billion shillings ($78 billion), equivalent to around 70% of gross domestic product ( GDP).
The International Monetary Fund has urged the country to implement fiscal reforms in order to access crucial financing from the Washington, DC-based lender.
Ruto had already revoked some tax measures after the protests began, prompting the Treasury to warn of a huge budget deficit of 200 billion shillings ($1.6 billion).
In Sunday’s interview, Ruto warned that the government would have to borrow heavily following the decision to scrap the finance law.
Analysts say the president’s about-face on tax laws has left him severely weakened domestically, with his administration divided in its response and his opponents rejuvenated.
“Enslaved and supported by foreign interests, and never pro-popular in its perspectives and interests, [Ruto’s administration] he was doomed to face the consequences of his priorities,” Willy Mutunga, former president of the Supreme Court of Kenya, told Reuters news agency.
“As long as the material interests of young people are not addressed, the gap will grow wider,” said Mutunga.
This story originally appeared on Aljazeera.com read the full story
