The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights announced on Monday that 39 people have died and 361 have been injured in anti-government protests sparked by deeply unpopular planned tax hikes. The state-funded rights watchdog provided these figures as tensions continue to escalate nationwide.
On Sunday, hundreds of Kenyans marched in the capital, Nairobi, to honor those who lost their lives in the demonstrations earlier this week. President William Ruto, addressing the nation, firmly stated, “I have no blood on my hands.”
Following the violent clashes, President Ruto reversed his stance on the tax increases, stating he would “listen to the people” and would not sign the finance bill into law. In a televised interview, Ruto put the death toll at 19—the first official figures released by the authorities—and promised a comprehensive investigation into the fatalities.
The initially peaceful protests turned violent last Tuesday when lawmakers, under pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), passed the contentious tax hikes. Protesters stormed the parliament complex, prompting police to open fire, and a fire subsequently broke out.
Referring to the deaths, Ruto expressed regret, saying, “It is very unfortunate. As a democracy, that should not be part of our conversation.” He assured the public that there would be a thorough investigation into the deaths of the 19 individuals. “There will be an explanation for each and every one of them,” he added.
Ruto defended the police response, stating, “The police have done the best they could.” However, he acknowledged the possibility of excessive force, asserting that mechanisms are in place to address such issues. “Any killer cop who went beyond what is provided for in the law will have action taken against them,” Ruto concluded.
