NAIROBI, Kenya – Amnesty International Kenya has condemned the use of excessive force against demonstrators who took part of countrywide protests against the controversial Financial Bill 2024 Bill.
The demonstrations stem from a move by the ruling Kenya Kwanza administration to propose punitive tax measures.
Most of the protestors fear that the Bill’s addition of new taxes and hikes on various goods and services will considerably increase their already high cost of living.
According to Amnesty International Kenya and other human rights organisations, there have been more casualties as a result of police deploying needless force, including use of live bullets.
“We commend the several thousands of protestors, many of whom are youthful, for picketing peacefully, exhibiting restraint and decorum despite provocation by the police who used tear gas as well as water cannons in the capital,” Amnesty International Kenya said in a joint statement.
Where did the anti-gov’t protests take place
On Thursday, June 20, demonstrations took place across 19 counties.
They include Nyeri, Nakuru, Kisumu, Uasin Gishu (Eldoret), Isiolo, Kisii, Laikipia (Nanyuki), Kilifi, Garissa, Kiambu, (Thika), Kakamega, Nairobi, Meru, Kericho, Kirinyaga, Mombasa, Embu, Machakos and Migori.
Amnesty International Kenya said that during the demonstrations, many bystanders and business people expressed solidarity with the protestors by generously sharing water and food and tending to those requiring medical assistance throughout the day.
The body further announced that at least 35 people have been arrested across the country. They include Nairobi (20), Garissa (1), Kisumu (3), Vihiga (4), Uasin Gishu (70), and Nakuru (2).
“At least 200 people were injured in Nairobi. Their injuries range from soft tissue injuries and inhalation of tear gas. 50 have been referred for further specialised treatment. There were five casualties from rubber bullet injuries, police tear gas canisters and batons. Six people were hit by cars while running away from police officers,” the body said.
Amnesty International Kenya also said that it had confirmed live shootings verified by the presence of spent cartridges.
The body revealed that the Law Society of Kenya (LSK), Kenya Medical Association, Defenders Coalition, Independent Medical Legal Unit and Amnesty International continue to deploy observers, legal and medical helplines and resources nationwide.
“We continue to urge the National Police Service to desist from the use of excessive force, intimidation and arbitrary and unlawful arrests of Kenyans,” the statement further reads.
Amnesty International Kenya also advised all protest organisers and the public to report incidents using their helpline numbers and social media platforms for more resources.
Why the African Union condemned the Kenyan protests
This comes when the African Commission on Human and Peoples’ Rights (the Commission), acting through Commissioner Solomon Ayele Dersso, the country’s rapporteur on human rights in Kenya, said in a statement that the continental body was monitoring events concerning the proposed tax law in the country with worry.
In the statement seen by Y News, the Commission said it had been informed by reports that have reached it that the Kenyan government’s decision to approve a new tax bill has seriously alarmed the populace and sparked large-scale demonstrations.
“The African Commission emphasises that peaceful protest is protected by the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights (African Charter) and expresses concern that the rallies on June 18 resulted in the detention of over 300 people,” the statement reads in part.
According to the African Commission, the Kenyan government, when adopting such measures that would directly affect the socio-economic well-being of citizens, most notably the most vulnerable sections of society, is a pre-requisite that affected people are adequately consulted, and their concerns are adequately addressed to ensure that such measures comply with the African Charter.
