Dawn TV News
Nairobi: Anti-government protests have intensified across the country over inflation and tax hikes in Kenya. The army was called in after the death toll increased and the police failed to contain the riots.
According to the international news organization, the people’s patience with the implementation of new taxes by the government in Kenya has been exhausted and hundreds of protestors have taken to the streets.
Demonstrators set fire to parts of the parliament and burnt tires on the roads, disrupting traffic. Clashes also took place between police and protesters at many places.
The protestors alleged that the police resorted to live firing resulting in the death toll exceeding 13 while over 100 were injured. There is a chance of an increase in casualties.
The police say that the protesters threw petrol bombs and fired shots, in response to which the policemen had to fire in self-defense.
Kenyan President William Ruto has called on the army to restore law and order in the country. The security of important buildings, including Parliament, has now been handed over to the army.
The government says it owes about 10 trillion shillings ($78 billion) in debt, equivalent to about 70 percent of Kenya’s GDP.
Several taxes such as bread purchase, car ownership, and mobile services were withdrawn in the face of public pressure, but the government now plans to increase fuel prices and export duties.
Kenya’s Ministry of Finance has warned of a budget deficit of 200 billion shillings.
