Kenyan police have deployed tear gas in the capital city of Nairobi to disperse ongoing anti-government protests. These demonstrations have led to many businesses in the city centre remaining closed.
The unrest has spread to other major cities, including Mombasa and Kisumu.
Human rights groups report that since the protests against a controversial finance bill began two weeks ago, 39 people have lost their lives due to security force actions.
Despite President William Ruto dropping the proposed tax increases, the demonstrations have evolved into broader demands for his resignation and outrage over police brutality.
Scenes of chaos are evident in Mombasa, where cars have been set ablaze as protesters and police clash. In Nairobi, the turmoil has caused magistrates to postpone hearings at a local court.
The state-funded Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR) stated that most fatalities occurred last Tuesday when MPs voted to pass the bill. According to their statement on Monday evening, 17 people were killed in Nairobi, and 22 others lost their lives in various parts of the country.
Additionally, KNCHR reported 361 injuries, 32 cases of “enforced or involuntary disappearances,” and 627 arrests. Amnesty International has documented 24 deaths among the protesters, while earlier police reports listed the death toll at 19.
Kenyan police have faced severe criticism for their heavy-handed response to the protests.
