Kenyan protests over high cost of living turn deadly

At least six persons have been killed in protests across cities in Kenya authorities say, though human rights bodies have put the number at twelve with several others injured.

Rising cost of living and controversial hikes which include the doubling of fuel taxes and the imposition of a 1.5% levy on all employees to fund new houses, angered Kenyans forcing them to engage in a civil disobedience which the police has been struggling to contain over the past week.

William Ruto who took power in September 2022, has argued that the measures his government has taken, will help deal with growing debt repayment and fund the creation of jobs for the youth.

The country’s external debt stood at $34 billion in January. Ruto supporters say he inherited the debt from his predecessor Uhuru Kenyatta.

Clashes in the country have affected daily activities including businesses, transportation and education. Over fifty children were rushed to the hospital on Wednesday, July 12, after tear gas was thrown into their classroom by police while dispersing protesters.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga, has asked the government to reverse the tax hikes calling those pressing for such reforms “traitors”.