Thousands of people gather in Kenya to mark the anniversary of antitax demonstrations | Protests

Rights defense groups say that at least 60 people were killed last year by security forces in weeks of demonstrations against young people against the expected tax increases.

Thousands of people went down to the streets of Kenya to mark a year since people stormed the parliament at the top of the antigan government demonstrationsDespite the fears that they are greeted by gangs supported by the state and police violence.

At least 60 people were killed last year by security forces in weeks of demonstrations against tax increases and the disastrous economic situation of young Kenyans, according to rights defense groups. On Wednesday, activists and families of the victims called for peaceful demonstrations to mark the deadliest birthday of the troubles.

Police blocked the main roads leading to the central affairs district of the capital, while government buildings were barricaded with razor thread.

Thousands of demonstrators, mainly young men, signaled Kenyan flags and signs with photos of demonstrators killed last year and sang “Ruto Must Go”, referring to President William Ruto, whose fiscal increases offered triggered demonstrations led by young people from last year.

“I came here as a young Kenyan to protest, it is our right for the good of our compatriots Kenyans who were killed last year. The police are here … They are supposed to protect us, but they kill us,” a 24 -year -old woman told the AFP news agency.

“It is extremely important that young people mark on June 25 because they have lost people who look like them, who speak to them … who fight for good governance,” added Angel Mbuthia, president of the Youth League for the Jubilee opposition party.

Police brutality

The birthday comes in the middle of booming anger police brutalityIn particular after the blogger and 31-year-old professor Albert Ojwang was killed earlier this month after his arrest for criticizing a superior officer.

Six people, including three police officers, was accused of murder Tuesday for the murder of Ojwang. They all pleaded not guilty.

Police have said that demonstrations are authorized as long as they are “peaceful and unarmed”.

But a group of peaceful demonstrators was attacked last week by a large gang of “henchmen” because they are known in Kenya, armed with whips and clubs and to work in tandem with the police.

On Tuesday, the Embassies of the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and other Western countries have published a joint declaration on X urging all those involved in “facilitating peaceful demonstrations and abstaining from violence”.

“The use of ordinary vestiation officers in unmarked vehicles erodes public confidence,” the statement said. Rights activists condemned the presence of unidentified police officers during demonstrations last year.

The Kenya Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement on Tuesday that any violation of the police would be addressed through government institutions, including parliament and judiciary.

“The ministry reminds all that diplomatic partnerships flourish best in mutual respect, open channels and recognition of everyone’s unique governance contexts,” he said.

There is also growing resentment among young people towards Ruto, who came to power in 2022, promising rapid economic progress.

Many have been disillusioned by continuous stagnation, corruption and high taxes, even after last year’s demonstrations forced Ruto to cancel an unpopular financing bill. His government has struggled to avoid direct tax increases this year.

But the frequent disappearances of government criticisms – the rights defense groups have counted more than 80 since last year’s demonstrations, with dozens of people who were still missing – have led a lot to accuse Ruto to return Kenya to the dark days of its dictatorship in the 80s and 90s.

Ruto previously promised an end to the abductions but was without excuse in a speech on Tuesday, committing to “stay on foot” from the police.

“You cannot use the force against the police or the insult, or threaten the police. You threaten our nation,” he warned demonstrators.