Kenya anticipated days of anti-government protests led by the government's political opposition in response to a controversial new finance law and the rising cost of living.
Amnesty International Kenya's Mathias Kinyoda told ABC News that at least six people were shot and killed, and twelve others were injured on Wednesday, the first day of a planned three-day protest against higher taxes.
Kenyans Protest Over Rising Cost of Living
Kinyoda stated that at least 87 demonstrators were detained nationwide. Opposition leader Raila Odinga called for the protests. The unrest was scheduled to occur despite Kenyan President William Ruto's assurances that there would be no demonstrations in the East African nation.
At least five protestors were injured during clashes with police on Wednesday. According to Amnesty International Kenya, "paramilitary police officers and armored water cannon vehicles are already patrolling and engaging protestors in multiple towns and communities."
In Kibera, a stronghold of the opposition, demonstrations turned violent, with demonstrators torching tires and furniture, pelting police with stones, and using tear gas. In the most recent anti-government demonstrations, the United Nations reports that at least 23 people were slain, and over 300 were detained.
Additionally, protests have been reported in Kisumu, Kisii, and Migori counties in Kenya, according to ABC News.
In response to "credible security intelligence," the Kenyan Ministry of Education has announced that all primary and secondary schools in Nairobi and the coastal city of Mombasa will be closed on Wednesday as a "precautionary measure." Additionally, several establishments remain closed.
Ruto signed a contentious finance measure last month at Nairobi's State House that proposed doubling the tax on petroleum from 8% to 16%. This has sparked protests.
The resolution intended to reduce Kenya's external debt, according to officials. However, the measure will have a ripple effect on the cost of essential goods, adding to the economic burden of Kenyans already struggling with the rising cost of living.
Kenya Police Prohibited to Report Protester Deaths
The Associated Press witnessed one individual with a shoulder wound and two others with leg wounds in the Nairobi neighborhood of Mathare. According to a police officer who spoke anonymously because he was not authorized to communicate with the media, four protesters were injured in Mathare.
Alvin Sikuku, a health records worker in Nairobi's Kangemi neighborhood, told the Associated Press that two young males were brought to the Eagle Nursing Home clinic. He said, "Police are using live ammunition."
In Nakuru, Nakuru Referral Hospital Medical Superintendent James Waweru confirmed that four patients presented with gunshot wounds, two in the abdomen, one in the thorax, and one in the leg. A fifth individual had been slashed and injured.
The Interior Ministry reported that over 300 individuals were arrested during the protests and will be charged with offenses including looting, property destruction, and assaulting police officers
In a statement, the opposition condemned the incarceration of seven elected leaders and two close associates of Odinga as a "desperate attempt" by the Ruto administration to paralyze the opposition.
According to the opposition, protests will continue on Thursday. Businesses and schools in Nairobi were closed as police dispersed demonstrators with tear gas and water cannons.
Several other regions of the country, including the western counties of Migori and Kisii, where the opposition enjoys substantial support, also reported demonstrations. Police claimed the protests were unlawful because no permit had been issued, but the Kenyan constitution guarantees the right to nonviolent demonstrations.
According to watchdogs, at least ten persons were slain last week during similar protests. An officer verified at least six fatalities to the Associated Press. Many others were injured, including 53 children shocked after tear gas was released within their school's perimeter.
Religious leaders have urged dialogue between the government and the opposition to halt the protests. Wednesday, Catholic bishops issued a statement in which they implored the president to repeal the controversial financial law that has angered many Kenyans.
As the government doubles the value-added tax on hydrocarbon products to 16%, the law has increased the price of fuel to its greatest level. Despite a court order suspending the implementation of the controversial new taxes, the prices have taken effect.
This week, the International Monetary Fund termed the law's ratification a "crucial" step in reducing Kenya's debt vulnerabilities. On Tuesday, envoys from thirteen Western nations issued a joint statement advocating for dialogue and expressing concern over the loss of life and property.
The Kenya Medical Association reported that its members had treated "hundreds of injured Kenyans and witnessed tens of fatalities" due to protests in recent months and that limited access to health facilities had led to increased mortality among patients and health care workers.
Human Rights Watch urged political leaders to stop labeling demonstrators as "terrorists" and to respect the right to engage in nonviolent demonstrations. The group criticized the police for using force and live ammunition against demonstrators.
Police in Kenya claim they have been instructed not to report deaths during protests against the rising cost of living. A police official said that they were instructed this week not to report any fatalities during the protests called by the political opposition through Friday.
It was unclear who issued the order at first glance. The official spoke anonymously because they were not authorized to speak publicly.
