A total of 39 people have been killed in anti-government protests in Kenya over proposed tax hikes, according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
The rights watchdog reported, “Our records show that thirty-nine people have died and three hundred and sixty-one have been injured in the protests nationwide.”
Hundreds of people marched in Nairobi on Sunday to honor those who lost their lives in the demonstrations, as President William Ruto declared, “I have no blood on my hands.”
Earlier this week, Ruto responded to the violence by announcing he would not sign the controversial finance bill into law, stating he would “listen to the people.”
In a television interview, Ruto provided the first official death toll of 19 and promised a thorough investigation into the deaths.
The protests turned violent last Tuesday when lawmakers approved the tax increases under pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Police fired on protesters who had stormed the parliament complex, resulting in a fire.
“It is very unfortunate. As a democracy, this should not be part of our conversation,” Ruto said, adding, “There will be an investigation on how these 19 Kenyans died. There will be an explanation for each and every one of them.”
Ruto defended the police, saying, “The police have done the best they could. If there have been any excesses, we have mechanisms to ensure they are dealt with.”
He also warned that those responsible for the attacks on parliament would be held accountable. “Criminals infiltrated and caused mayhem,” he said. “Those who attacked Parliament and the judiciary are on CCTV. Many of them are on the run, but we will catch them.”
Ruto reflected on his decision to halt the finance bill, acknowledging the need for better communication. “If I am given a chance to explain to the people of Kenya what the finance bill was all about and what it would have done for them, then every Kenyan would agree with me,” he said.
The clashes mark an unprecedented event in Kenya’s history since gaining independence from Britain in 1963.
On Saturday, a few hundred people gathered in Uhuru Park in central Nairobi, responding to a media appeal. After singing and lighting candles, they waved Kenyan flags and chanted as they marched past the hospital where some injured protesters were being treated. The demonstrators dispersed peacefully later in the afternoon.
