In Kenya, protesters are in a state of shock following the death of a 29-year-old man during demonstrations against a new finance bill, which has sparked widespread anger across the nation. The victim, Rex Kanyike Masai, tragically succumbed to gunshot wounds at a hospital in Nairobi, as police used tear gas and water cannons against peaceful demonstrators near the parliament building.
The protests on Thursday led to over 100 arrests, prompting Amnesty International to criticize the police for their use of excessive force. Despite public outcry that compelled the government to withdraw some controversial provisions from the bill, such as a 16% tax on bread and a 2.5% annual vehicle tax, passionate demonstrators continue to express their opposition to President William Ruto’s policies.
The circumstances surrounding Masai’s death are presently under investigation, with activist Boniface Mwangi underscoring that the young man was unarmed at the time of the shooting, merely seeking to evade the effects of the tear gas. The tragic incident has sparked widespread mourning and calls for justice on social media, with one of the protest organizers pledging to cover the funeral expenses for Masai.
Amnesty International has expressed concerns about the alleged use of firearms by the police during the protests, citing reports of live shootings and numerous injuries among the demonstrators. The President of the Law Society of Kenya, Faith Odhiambo, has condemned the police for their actions, describing their conduct as brutal and declaring the arrests of protesters as illegal.
The contentious finance bill was approved by a majority of MPs during its second reading on Thursday, despite the ongoing protests. The bill is set to proceed to the next stage for further consideration and amendments, with a final vote expected next Tuesday. However, protesters are advocating for the rejection of the entire bill, underscoring the detrimental impact they believe it will have on the country’s economy.
The government has consistently defended the tax measures as necessary steps to address Kenya’s substantial national debt, which amounts to nearly $80 billion. Despite the bill’s passage, the public outcry and demonstrations spotlight the depth of opposition to these new taxation policies.
This tragic turn of events during the protests has only served to heighten the widespread anger against the new finance bill and the government’s handling of the situation. The demand for justice for Rex Kanyike Masai and the overarching call for the rejection of the bill continue to resonate across social media and throughout the country, as Kenyans assert their determination to have their voices heard.