NAIROBI – On Wednesday, June 26, the streets of Nairobi were heavy with the lingering smell of tear gas and the presence of military patrols, a day after violent protests erupted against a proposed tax plan. The unrest, which President William Ruto described as an “existential” threat, led to the storming of parliament and resulted in at least 22 deaths, according to a human rights group.
The proposed finance bill, which aims to raise taxes and fees on a range of daily items and services to generate revenue for debt repayment, has sparked widespread outrage among Kenyans. Critics argue that the bill would exacerbate the economic hardships faced by the majority of the population. In a nation struggling with high living costs, the bill has united citizens across tribal and social lines in a youth-led movement against the government’s plans.
Tuesday’s violence marked the most significant challenge to Kenya’s government in decades. President Ruto condemned the protesters’ actions as “treasonous” and pledged to quash the unrest “at whatever cost.” Alongside the police, soldiers were deployed to maintain order, but the authorities faced accusations of using lethal force, with several protesters reportedly shot dead.
Despite a tense calm on Wednesday, fears of further violence persisted. Civil society groups reported abductions of individuals involved in the protests and anticipated more such incidents.
“We are dealing with a new phenomenon and a group of people that is not predictable. If it would have been the normal demonstrations, I’d say it will fizzle out with time, but we don’t know whether these people will fear the army,” said Herman Manyora, an analyst and professor at the University of Nairobi.
Manyora criticized President Ruto for missing an opportunity to de-escalate tensions in his Tuesday night address, noting that the president’s combative tone only fueled public anger.
Many young Kenyans who had supported Ruto’s 2022 election bid, drawn by his promises of economic relief, now feel betrayed by the painful reforms. Thousands stormed parliament on Tuesday, setting part of the building on fire, and clashes broke out in several communities beyond the capital. The Kenya National Human Rights Commission reported that 300 people were injured and 50 arrested during the protests.
One grieving mother, Edith Wanjiku, called for justice for her 19-year-old son, who was killed during the protests. “He had just completed school and was peacefully protesting,” she said, demanding that the police responsible for his death be charged with murder.
In response to the unrest, key government buildings in Nairobi, including parliament, city hall, and the Supreme Court, were cordoned off with crime scene tape. Authorities reported that police fired over 700 blanks to disperse protesters in the Nairobi suburb of Githurai overnight, with videos of the gunfire circulating online.
Opposition leader Raila Odinga condemned the killing of protesters and the “brute force” used by authorities, calling for dialogue and asserting that Kenya’s constitution had effectively been suspended. “Kenya cannot afford to kill its children just because the children are asking for food, jobs, and a listening ear,” Odinga stated.
In Nairobi, a regional hub for expatriates and home to a United Nations complex, long-standing frustrations over state corruption and economic inequality have intensified. Many young Kenyans, disillusioned by the lavish lifestyles of politicians, including President Ruto, feel particularly betrayed. Ruto, who had campaigned as a “hustler” from a humble background, now faces significant backlash from the very youth who helped elect him.
