![A riot police officer runs near a burning sofa, as supporters of Kenya's opposition leader Raila Odinga take part in an anti-government protest against tax hikes in Nairobi, Kenya on July 19, 2023 [Thomas Mukoya/Reuters]](https://en.kaabtv.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/kenya-police-anti-riot-.jpeg "kenya police anti riot")
NAIROBI (KAAB TV) – Kenya was engulfed in another day of violent protests on Wednesday, led by the opposition coalition party, Azimio la Umoja, known as the One Kenya Coalition Party.
The three-day demonstrations, announced by opposition leader Raila Odinga on Monday, resulted in widespread disruptions and clashes across the country.
Throughout the day, angry protesters took to the streets of several cities, leading to the closure of businesses nationwide. Unfortunately, the protests turned deadly, with at least five protesters losing their lives on Wednesday.
The government reported the arrest of 300 individuals in connection with demonstration-related activities, including several opposition officials.
In Nairobi, the capital city, the roads remained relatively empty in the morning, with only a few commuters observed. However, tensions escalated throughout the day, resulting in three civilians sustaining gunshot wounds and multiple injuries to police gunshots and beatings.
In Mathare and Jacaranda grounds, protesters were arrested, and the opposition presented injured individuals, including minors, alleging that they had been shot by the police.
In a concerning incident, a journalist from African Censored was reportedly arrested by plainclothes police officers while covering the protest in Nairobi’s Kayole area. Kalvin Rock was later released.
The city of Kisumu, a stronghold for Odinga and the opposition, witnessed the lighting of bonfires in various locations, including the bus terminus.
Anti-riot police were deployed to the area, forcibly dispersing the crowd. As a result, main roads remained blocked, and businesses shuttered for the day.
In Mombasa, on the coast, protesters were arrested after igniting bonfires that blocked the road leading to the Port of Mombasa. Subsequently, pro-government protesters marched towards the opposition demonstrators, but police intervened and dispersed both groups.
In response to the escalating violence, the government ordered the closure of schools across the country as a precautionary measure.
The Wednesday protests were triggered by the opposition’s determination to compel President William Ruto to repeal the recently enacted Finance Bill, which imposed additional tax burdens, leading to soaring living costs.
The government argues that the fuel and housing levies, expected to generate an additional 200 billion shillings ($1.4 billion) annually, are necessary to address growing debt repayments and fund job creation initiatives.
However, the opposition decries the tax hikes, pointing to their detrimental impact on the poor. Under President Ruto’s administration, the price of basic commodities has significantly increased, fueling public discontent.
These latest protests follow similar demonstrations earlier this month, which escalated into violence as police deployed tear gas and, in some cases, live rounds against the crowds.
At least 20 people lost their lives, and hundreds were arrested during those clashes.