NAIROBI, Kenya – In light of the ongoing protests against the Finance Bill 2024, Moussa Faki, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, has issued a strong call for peace and dialogue in Kenya.
The protests, which have led to loss of many lives, injuries, and significant property damage, have gripped the nation, with youth-led demonstrations turning particularly heated.
On Wednesday, Faki expressed deep concern over the escalating violence, urging all parties to exercise restraint and engage in constructive dialogue to resolve the underlying issues.
“The Chairperson of the African Union Commission is following with deep concern the outbreaks of violence following public protests in Kenya, which have resulted in loss of life and damage to property,” Faki said in a statement. “He urges all stakeholders to exercise calm and refrain from further violence. The Chairperson also appeals to national stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to address the contentious issues that led to the protests in the supreme interest of Kenya.”
The protests, which began on June 18, reached a peak on Tuesday as demonstrators took to the streets demanding the rejection of the Finance Bill 2024.
The bill, which includes new tax measures, has been met with widespread opposition, particularly from the youth, who argue it will exacerbate the economic hardships faced by many Kenyans.
Tuesday’s protests saw a dramatic escalation, with major towns across the country, including President William Ruto’s hometown of Eldoret and Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua’s Nyeri, becoming epicenters of unrest.
Transport was paralyzed, businesses shuttered, and the air was thick with tear gas as police and protesters clashed.
The situation turned chaotic as anti-riot police struggled to control the crowds. Protesters stormed Parliament, attempting to set it ablaze, leading to violent confrontations.
Reports of gunfire and tear gas use by police highlighted the severity of the clashes, with an unknown number of fatalities and numerous injuries, including journalists and medical personnel.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres also weighed in, expressing his sorrow over the violence and urging restraint.
“I am deeply saddened by the reports of deaths and injuries – including of journalists and medical personnel – connected to protests and street demonstrations in Kenya,” Guterres stated.
He appealed to the Kenyan government to handle the protests with care and avoid further bloodshed.
Despite the unrest, the Kenyan Parliament proceeded to vote on and pass the contentious Finance Bill. The bill’s approval has only fueled the protesters’ anger, prompting fears of continued violence.
