At Least 7 Bodies Booked at City Mortuary After Yesterday’s Anti-Tax Protests

At least seven bodies were booked at the City Mortuary in Nairobi following protests against proposed taxes. Mortuary officials reported that the bodies, brought in between Tuesday and Wednesday morning, had gunshot wounds, and one individual had died from choking.

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This brings the confirmed death toll from the protests to eight, including one person shot and killed in Kakamega, according to police. All bodies from such incidents must be booked at a government morgue for identification and autopsy. Police are still searching for any additional casualties from the clashes.

Residents of Githurai in Nairobi claimed many people were killed during a clash at the Githurai Mwiki police station. Police reported that 20 officers were injured, 740 blank bullets were used, 258 tear gas canisters were deployed, and one vehicle was damaged. However, police have yet to comment on the alleged killings in Githurai.

Most of the victims were shot outside and within the Parliament compound, including one person shot near the Kencom area. Protesters had breached Parliament security, prompting police to open fire.

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On Wednesday, security was heightened in Nairobi with increased police patrols and additional military personnel deployed outside the Nakuru State Lodge. The military was called in on Tuesday evening to support police efforts in containing the protests against the proposed taxes.

Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the military deployment, citing constitutional provisions. This decision, made without Parliament’s approval, was controversial. Duale referenced Article 241 (3) (b) of the Constitution of Kenya and relevant sections of the Kenya Defence Forces Act.

Police anticipate more planned protests in the city, with a group intending to visit the offices of the Inspector General of Police and the Independent Policing Oversight Authority. President William Ruto held an emergency security meeting on Tuesday evening to address the crisis, which is considered historic.

Protesters clashed with police outside Parliament along Parliament Road and in major towns. Parts of the city center descended into chaos as mobs looted supermarkets, mobile phone shops, and clothing stores. Police struggled to contain the violence as Parliament debated the bill.

After news broke that MPs had passed the bill in a record two hours, the protests intensified, with mobs breaching the Parliament Buildings, vandalizing property, and looting. Some protesters entered the main chambers, stealing property, including the mace. MPs and staff were evacuated through a security tunnel.

Reinforcements arrived as three lorries of military personnel joined the fatigued police officers in pushing back the protesters. A section of Parliament housing offices was set on fire, and heavy gunfire ensued as police battled the defiant mob.

Protesters argue that the contentious Finance Bill will further burden an already struggling population. The Gen-Z-led demonstrations have taken the government by surprise, prompting President Ruto to express readiness for dialogue with the protesters.