Kenyan police used tear gas to disperse protesters who defied a ban on opposition rallies to express their grievances against rising prices and new government taxes. The capital city of Nairobi was heavily monitored by police, and shops remained closed during the demonstrations. In the Mathare slum and the southern port city of Mombasa, clashes occurred as police confronted stone-throwing protesters.
The ban on opposition-led demonstrations was issued by the head of the national police force, citing a lack of prior notification to the authorities. The public was urged to refrain from participating in these “illegal gatherings.” Last week, opposition leader Raila Odinga had called for protests against President William Ruto’s government, leading to demonstrations in multiple cities.
Tragically, hospital and police sources confirmed that at least three individuals lost their lives in the aftermath of the protests. The National Human Rights Commission of Kenya has called for a thorough investigation into reported cases of police brutality.
On another occasion, civil society representatives, including former Chief Justice Willy Mutunga, were reportedly subjected to tear gas by the police while demanding the release of numerous individuals detained during the protests.
In early July, President Ruto signed a finance bill into law, which introduced several new taxes despite opposition and public criticism in a country grappling with high inflation. The legislation includes a controversial increase in fuel value-added tax (VAT) from 8% to 16%, along with an unpopular salary levy to fund a low-cost housing program. Originally set at 3%, the salary levy has been reduced to 1.5% following public outcry.