In Nairobi, Kenya, protests calling for President Uhuru Kenyatta’s resignation and expressing dissatisfaction with a recent police crackdown turned deadly, with local media reporting fatalities. The demonstrations, part of the “Occupy Parliament” movement, were sparked by opposition to a June 13th budget bill proposing new taxes to raise $2.7 billion. Despite some taxes being retracted after initial protests, demonstrators are now demanding the bill’s complete abolition. The police response, involving the use of live and rubber bullets, mass arrests, and alleged abductions, has escalated tensions. President Kenyatta, while acknowledging the protests, remains under pressure due to Kenya’s significant debt, high loan interest payments, and inflation.
- Deadly protests erupted in Nairobi, Kenya, with demonstrators breaching the Parliament building.
- Protesters demand the resignation of President Uhuru Kenyatta and criticize a police crackdown on previous peaceful protests.
- The “Occupy Parliament” movement is driven by opposition to a tax-raising budget bill introduced on June 13th, aimed at generating $2.7 billion.
- Following pushback, some proposed taxes have been retracted, yet protesters seek the bill’s full withdrawal.
- Police response to the protests has included the use of live and rubber bullets, mass arrests, and reports of abductions.
- President Kenyatta, who campaigned on supporting Kenya’s working poor, has been accused of betrayal by many protesters.
- Kenyatta praises the peaceful aspect of the protests but faces challenges due to the country’s significant debt and economic pressures.
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