A 24-year-old protester was fatally shot during demonstrations against a controversial taxation bill in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, on Thursday evening. The protester, who was part of mass demonstrations, succumbed to injuries after being shot in the leg by police and subsequently experiencing significant blood loss due to delayed medical attention.
The protests, which saw thousands of people taking to the streets nationwide, coincided with a parliamentary debate and vote on the contentious tax law. This legislation has sparked widespread outrage, with many Kenyans fearing that it will exacerbate the already high cost of living and adversely affect their purchasing power.
A lawyer representing the deceased’s family stated that the man was not attended to promptly, with over 20 minutes elapsing before any medical intervention was attempted. In response, one of the protest leaders has called for a solidarity gathering at the morgue where the deceased’s body is held, urging people to support his grieving parents.
Human rights organization Amnesty International reported that at least 200 people were injured during Thursday’s protests in Nairobi alone. The widespread demonstrations reflect the deep-seated frustration and anxiety among Kenyans regarding the potential economic impact of the new tax law.
Business owners and entrepreneurs have also voiced concerns about the legislation, fearing it could lead to significant financial losses as consumer purchasing power declines. The situation remains tense as the government faces mounting pressure to address the public’s grievances and reconsider the proposed tax measures.
