At least 39 killed during violent protest in Kenya, India concerned

Nairobi, 02 July (HS): At least 39 people in Kenya fell to bullets fired by security personnel, as a protest against the new Financial Bill turned violent.

Local newspaper People?s Daily reported that the appeals by security agencies failed to control the protestors. They took to the streets to protest the bill, aimed at raising taxes to generate revenue for the government.

Kanya?s National Commission for Human Rights said that 39 people were killed and 361 were injured in the nationwide agitation. Thirty-two others were reported missing. Police arrested 627 protestors. The Supreme Court has ordered the deployment of additional security forces in the sensitive regions.

The new Finance Bill was tabled in May 2024 with proposals of imposing heavy taxes on commodities of daily use. The bill was passed with 106 out of 195 voting in its favour. The protest began immediately after the bill was passed in the Parliament. Police had to resort to bursting tear shells and shooting to control the riots. President William Ruto directed the security forces to enforce strict measures against violence.

The Indian government is concerned about the safety of 80,000 to 1 lakh Indians living in Kenya.