The day began ominously in Nairobi on 25 June, as individuals believed to be members of the police force conducted pre-dawn raids, targeting key anti-Finance Bill activists. According to David Odero’s report for JURIST, two activists and high-ranking officials of the Law Society of Kenya were abducted, igniting early morning protests.
The demonstrations were part of nationwide resistance against the controversial Finance Bill 2024. Despite significant public opposition, Parliament had already passed the bill through its first and second readings, and the final reading occurred amid heightened tension. The bill passed with a vote count of 195 in favor to 106 against.
Initial demonstrations, although peaceful, escalated quickly as anti-riot police employed tear gas and water cannons and, alarmingly, used live ammunition. Reports suggest that a sniper deployed on the parliamentary building was responsible for multiple injuries among protesters. As the situation deteriorated, a portion of the crowd breached Parliament, leading to a chaotic evacuation of Members of Parliament (MPs) via underground tunnels and helicopters. The Speaker of the Senate, Amason Kingi, was dramatically whisked away in an ambulance.
By evening, the protests had resulted in substantial casualties: five demonstrators were confirmed dead, including one who was shot ten times, and over 120 others were hospitalized with gunshot wounds. The chaos extended to various parts of the country, where businesses linked to MPs who supported the bill were looted and set on fire. Angry protesters also targeted the home of the Finance Committee’s chairperson, Mr. Kuria Kimani.
The government’s response included deploying military personnel in the capital without the necessary parliamentary approval, raising concerns about the overreach of executive power. This action appears to contravene Section 33(2) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act.
Tensions escalated further following the killing of a police officer in Githurai, leading to police indiscriminately opening fire, resulting in additional casualties among civilians. The Law Society of Kenya condemned the violent suppression of protests, while the President referred to the day’s demonstrations as “treasonous” and labeled the protesters as criminals in a press briefing. Former President Uhuru Kenyatta countered, urging current President William Ruto to engage constructively with the public.
As the contentious Finance Bill awaits presidential assent, the atmosphere in Kenya remains fraught with unresolved tensions, underscoring the deep divides over this legislation and the heavy-handed response it has provoked.