Kenyan Protests Erupt in Chaos: Deadly Clashes and Widespread Unrest

Kenya has been gripped by nationwide protests against proposed tax hikes, culminating in a "total shutdown" of the country on Tuesday that quickly turned violent. The demonstrations, sparked by the Finance Bill 2024, have seen citizens rally under the banner of "7 Days of Rage," as the nation faces more days of upheaval.

Kenyan Unrest Escalates: Deadly Clashes and Widespread Destruction

Deadly Confrontations with Police

At least five people were shot dead after Kenyan police fired live rounds at demonstrators in Nairobi on Tuesday, as outrage swelled against the controversial finance bill. A CNN team witnessed the disturbing scenes and observed two bodies lying motionless on the ground. According to a joint statement released by human rights organizations, at least 13 protesters were hit with live bullets, four with rubber bullets, and three with launcher canisters.The protests have been marked by a heavy-handed response from security forces, with reports of abductions and disappearances of prominent Kenyans, particularly those with large social media followings. Amnesty International Kenya says it is investigating the whereabouts of up to 12 people who were "abducted in the middle of night" ahead of Tuesday's planned protests.

Storming of Parliament and Arson Attacks

The unrest has also led to the storming of Kenya's parliament, with protesters setting the building ablaze. The ceremonial mace, a symbol of parliamentary authority, was also stolen during the chaos. Lawmakers who were present at the time were evacuated through an underground channel, according to reports.The violence has also spread to other government buildings, with Nairobi's City Hall and the Supreme Court being set on fire. Vehicles parked at the Supreme Court were also targeted, as the protests spiraled out of control.

Disruption of Communication and Internet Connectivity

The protests have had a significant impact on communication and internet connectivity in the country. NetBlocks, an internet monitoring site, reported a "major disruption" to internet connectivity on Tuesday, likely in an effort to disrupt the organization and coordination of the demonstrations.The disruption of communication and the internet has raised concerns about the government's response to the protests, with activists and human rights groups accusing the authorities of attempting to suppress information and limit the ability of protesters to organize and share their message.

Prominent Figures Caught in the Crossfire

The protests have also drawn the attention of high-profile individuals, including Auma Obama, the half-sister of former United States President Barack Obama. Obama was teargassed by police during a live interview with CNN, as she joined the protesters in Nairobi.The involvement of such prominent figures has further highlighted the widespread nature of the discontent and the government's heavy-handed approach to the demonstrations. The tear-gassing of Obama, a Kenyan-British activist, has been widely condemned and has added to the growing international scrutiny of the situation in Kenya.

Calls for Dialogue and Accountability

Despite the violence and unrest, President William Ruto has stated that he wants to have a dialogue with the protesters and that he is "proud" of them. However, the actions of the security forces and the reports of abductions and disappearances have undermined the government's claims of openness and a willingness to engage with the protesters.Human rights organizations and activists have called for accountability and an end to the use of excessive force against the demonstrators. They have also demanded that the government address the underlying issues that have sparked the protests, including the proposed tax hikes and the broader economic challenges facing the country.As the protests continue, the situation in Kenya remains volatile, with the potential for further escalation and violence. The government's response will be closely watched by both the Kenyan public and the international community, as they seek to find a peaceful resolution to the crisis.