The Kenyan police confirmed on Friday that one person was killed in Thursday's protests against the rising cost of living in Nairobi, the capital of Kenya.
Rex Kanyike Masai, 29, was shot and killed as he and others protested a controversial finance bill that seeks to raise taxes on a wide range of items, which protesters said would add more economic hardship on citizens.
The police have since launched investigations into the fatal shooting, which happened in Nairobi's central business district.
Meanwhile, the Kenya Red Cross Society reported that 39 people were injured during Thursday's protests, with eight of the critically injured being evacuated to Kenyatta National Hospital for specialized treatment.
One police officer was admitted to hospital with a hip injury after falling while escaping from the crowd.
Protesters managed to spread demonstrations beyond Nairobi to major towns across the country, calling for a national strike scheduled for June 25.
\"Tuesday, 25th June: #OccupyParliament and Total Shutdown Kenya. A national strike,\" read a poster shared widely online by protesters, adding, \"Gen Z are granting all hardworking Kenyans a day off. Parents, keep your children at home in solidarity.\"
On Tuesday, President William Ruto announced that his government had dropped proposals to impose new taxes on vegetable oil and a levy on various finished products that contribute to e-waste harming the environment.
The tax proposals that were dropped included a 16-percent value-added tax on bread, transportation of sugar, foreign exchange transactions, financial services, and a 2.5-percent motor vehicle tax.
However, protesters continue to demand a total rejection of the bill, asserting that there are hidden clauses that would still impose taxes on citizens.
Police Inspector General Japhet Koome stated on Thursday that while the protesters' right to assemble would be respected, they would not be permitted to access critical government infrastructure or disrupt ongoing parliamentary proceedings.
Observers have called for police restraint, suggesting that the protests, dubbed \"Occupy Parliament,\" could intensify.
Reference(s):
1 killed, 39 injured in protests against rising costs in Kenya
cgtn.com
