NAIROBI, Kenya — The recent anti-tax demonstrations in Kenya have led to the deaths of 23 people, according to medical authorities. The Kenya Medical Association reported that 20 individuals are in critical condition and awaiting surgeries at various hospitals. The protests, sparked by a contested finance bill proposing new taxes, have seen at least six surgeries in progress at Kenyatta National Hospital, the region’s largest healthcare facility.
The turmoil has led to an emergency suspension of regular medical procedures at Kenyatta National Hospital to prioritize the treatment of those with bullet wounds. Simon Kigondu, president of the Kenya Medical Association, noted that the hospital is presently overwhelmed, managing a significant number of casualties and solidifying Nairobi’s hospitals as battlefields coping with the protest fallout.
In legal developments, a lawsuit has been filed against Kenya’s Defense Minister Aden Duale for his role in deploying the military to control the protests. Represented by the Law Society of Kenya, lawyer Chrysostom Xavier Akhaabi argued that the use of military force against unarmed civilians was hastily decided without sufficient justification. The case is currently before Andrew Bahati Mwamuye, a newly appointed High Court Judge.
The controversy surrounding the military’s involvement was triggered by Duale’s decision to address what he described as a “security emergency” following the deadly escalation of the anti-tax protests. These protests were primarily in opposition to the Finance Bill 2024, proposed by the government, which included significant tax increases.
As the nation’s capital reels from the impact, the medical services strain suggests a potential rise in casualties if the surge in critically injured patients continues unchecked. Media reports indicate that the protests have disrupted daily life significantly, causing looting and property damage across Nairobi.
Meanwhile, President William Ruto has taken a crucial step back from the Finance Bill 2024 by refusing to endorse it, opting instead to return it to Parliament with suggested amendments. This move indicates an acknowledgment of the public’s unrest over the tax increases amid the severe economic pressures affecting the Kenyan populace.
The heightened security measures across Nairobi reflect the government’s attempt to restore order and curb the violence that has taken root. These protests have laid bare the deep-seated frustrations among Kenyans towards the new fiscal policies perceived as burdensome amidst tough economic times.
The events unfolding in Kenya highlight a significant societal rift over economic strategies and governmental management of public resources, setting a complex stage for further political and legal battles as the country grapples with balancing economic needs and civic stability.