On June 25, 2024, a massive protest erupted as thousands of demonstrators forcibly entered the Kenyan Parliament Building in Nairobi. This severe reaction came immediately following the approval of the contentious Kenya Finance Bill 2024, sparking a series of violent events as part of the larger Kenya Finance Bill protests. The turmoil escalated when protesters ignited a fire within the building, prompting police to respond with gunfire, which tragically resulted in nineteen fatalities during the confrontations.
Background
Triggered by the passage of the newly approved finance bill, which proposed significant tax hikes, public dissent had been mounting since the bill’s introduction on June 18. The legislation, imposing a 16% tax on goods and services related to building specialized hospitals and raising import taxes from 2.5% to 3%, had faced considerable opposition. Despite dropping initial proposals such as a 16% sales tax on bread and a 25% duty on cooking oil due to public backlash, discontent remained high. Opposition MPs showed their disapproval by boycotting the bill’s passage, exiting the parliamentary chamber during the session.
The Assault
The protest reached a climax shortly after the finance bill’s enactment. Youth-led demonstrators overwhelmed security, breached parliamentary barriers, and vandalized property, including setting parts of the building on fire and damaging vehicles. The chaos also led to the theft of the ceremonial mace, a crucial symbol in legislative processes. MPs present during the attack were forced to evacuate through underground tunnels, and an extensive internet disruption was recorded, signaling a severe crackdown by law enforcement.
Other Incidents
The violence was not confined to the parliament. Additional attacks were launched on the Nairobi City County governor’s office and attempts were made to storm the State House in Nakuru. Protests and related violent activities also unfolded in Mombasa, Eldoret, Kisumu, and Nyeri, with the United Democratic Alliance’s offices in Embu being set ablaze.
Casualties
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported that the demonstrations resulted in 19 deaths in Nairobi alone, with over 160 people receiving treatment for various injuries. Amnesty International indicated that over 200 individuals were injured. High-profile activist Auma Obama was among those affected, having been injured by tear gas outside the Parliament Building.
Aftermath
The incident marked one of the most direct confrontations against the Kenyan government in decades. President William Ruto, addressing the nation, characterized the protests as “treasonous” and manipulated by malevolent forces, pledging a robust response to what he termed “violence and anarchy.” In response to the crisis, the Kenya Defence Forces were deployed, reportedly using tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse crowds, including at a medical camp set up for the injured.
On the following day, June 26, President Ruto announced his decision to reject and withdraw the finance bill. This decision came amid calls for peaceful protests to continue and to honor those who died in the violence.
Reactions
Domestically, opposition leader Raila Odinga condemned the violent suppression of the protests and reiterated calls for the bill’s withdrawal. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta advocated for dialogue, emphasizing that leadership is a mandate granted by the citizenry. The Law Society of Kenya, through its president Faith Odhiambo, demanded accountability from all involved parties. Additionally, the Kenya Human Rights Commission and various religious leaders urged for an end to the violence and called for the government to address public grievances concerning the new taxes.
Internationally, the African Union and several Western diplomats expressed alarm over the events, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres also voicing concern. Amnesty International criticized the deteriorating approach to policing the protests, urging the Kenyan government to uphold the right to peaceful assembly.
