Kenya deploys military as youth-led protests escalate over tax hike

Kenyan Defense Minister Aden Duale announced the deployment of the Kenya Defense Forces to support the police in suppressing protests that "result in the destruction and violation of critical infrastructure." Lawmakers who took refuge in the basements during the storming of the parliament escaped through underground tunnels. Influential bishops have sided with the protesters. "The country is bleeding. Young people are right," they wrote in a statement.

On Tuesday, protesters wrapped in the Kenyan flag and blowing whistles battled with security forces on the streets of Kenya’s capital. The massive protests shook the country and were related to the government's adoption of a controversial bill that increased taxes for millions of citizens.

Reuters emphasizes that Kenyans are facing a very difficult economic situation, which is why the law introducing new taxes has mobilized such a large part of society to protest.

The New York Times reported that the protests are being led by young people who initiated a leaderless movement using social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram.

“Politicians have underestimated our strength, energy, and passion for too long,” said Muchiri Mike, a 25-year-old content creator. “We are now asking questions and demanding answers, and they are surprised by the revolution happening at their doorstep,” he added.

Young Kenyans say their movement transcends class, tribe, or race and focuses on helping millions of people achieve economic security and social equality.

The Kenyan government hopes to obtain an additional $2.7 billion in tax revenue through reform to reduce the budget deficit. The International Monetary Fund is demanding this from the government in Nairobi and is conditioning its support for the country.

The demonstrators set fire to, among other places, the governor's office in Nairobi and stormed the parliament grounds. According to AP, "thousands of protesters stormed the parliament grounds, and part of the building was set on fire while the deputies fled."

One of the lawmakers, Maurice Bissau, admitted in an interview with the media that members of parliament were evacuated through underground tunnels immediately after the enraged crowd entered the building.

Around 2 PM Eastern Time, Kenyan Defense Minister Aden Duale announced that he had deployed the Kenya Defense Forces to support the police, who responded to the "safety threat" caused by protests against the financial bill. He added that the demonstrations "result in the destruction and violation of critical infrastructure."

According to the BBC, influential Catholic bishops in Kenya call on the government to "give time to the aggrieved citizens and address the pain caused by the rising cost of living in the country."

"We beg the president to listen to the voices of so many Kenyans. The country is bleeding. (...) Young people are right to express their desperation," the bishops state.

According to the Kenya Medical Association, the police in the capital, Nairobi, shot at least five people. Additionally, a journalist from the Reuters news agency reported seeing the bodies of at least five protesters lying in front of the parliament. The police reportedly abducted more than 21 people.

A total of 10 people have died, and more than 40 have been injured during the protests.