The Kenyan High Court has given the green light for the use of military force to restore order in the country, following days of intense anti-tax protests that have turned violent. The protests, largely led by young people, erupted in response to government plans to increase taxes, resulting in more than 20 reported deaths nationwide.
Armoured military vehicles were seen patrolling the streets of Nairobi as police clashed with protesters, who had threatened to storm the presidential palace. The court ruled that the military deployment was necessary to protect government installations, but demanded clarification on the duration and rules of engagement within two days.
President William Ruto caved to pressure and announced the withdrawal of the finance bill containing the unpopular tax proposals, which protesters had vehemently opposed. However, the move has left a significant gap in the country’s budget, according to government spokesman Isaac Mwaura.
Protesters remain skeptical of the president’s commitment to implementing austerity measures and have been further incensed by reports of arbitrary abductions and killings of demonstrators. Calls for President Ruto to step down have intensified, with accusations of state agents abducting hundreds of individuals linked to the protests.
The Kenya National Human Rights Commission has intervened to secure the release of over 300 illegally detained individuals, but Mr. Mwaura has dismissed these claims, attributing the unrest to “criminal elements” seeking to destabilize the government. The situation remains tense as the country grapples with the aftermath of the protests and the military intervention authorized by the court.
