Clashes erupted in Kenya on Wednesday as citizens protested against the escalating cost of living. Police responded with force, leading to at least two reported deaths and numerous injuries. The protests, organized by the opposition, are aimed at pressuring President William Ruto to rescind a recently implemented finance law that introduces new taxes.

The western city of Kisumu, a stronghold of opposition leader Raila Odinga, saw the most severe violence, with the Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Hospital confirming two fatalities from gunshot wounds and admitting 14 others with similar injuries. In Nairobi, several individuals were also shot, with witnesses reporting police using live ammunition. Further injuries were reported in Nakuru, where individuals were admitted to the hospital with gunshot and other wounds.

The Interior Ministry confirmed over 300 arrests, citing charges such as looting, property damage, and assaulting police officers. However, the government remained silent on the reported casualties and allegations of police firing into homes.

Image caption: Protesters and police clash in Kenya amid rising tensions over new taxes. (AP Photo/Brian Inganga)

The opposition condemned the arrests of several elected officials and associates of Odinga, labeling them as attempts to stifle dissent. They vowed to continue protests on Thursday. The Media Council of Kenya raised concerns over reports of police impersonating journalists to apprehend protesters, denouncing the practice as unprofessional.

Nairobi experienced widespread disruption, with businesses and schools closed as police deployed tear gas and water cannons. Protests also spread to other regions with significant opposition support. Despite police declaring the protests illegal due to a lack of permits, the Kenyan constitution guarantees the right to peaceful assembly.

Last week's similar protests resulted in multiple deaths and injuries, including children affected by tear gas. Religious leaders have called for dialogue to resolve the crisis, with Catholic bishops urging the president to repeal the contentious finance law, which has increased fuel prices to record levels through a doubled VAT on petroleum products. This price hike has taken effect despite a court order suspending the new tax measures.

The new taxes have exacerbated the financial struggles of many Kenyans. One resident, Wycliffe Onyango, lamented that his entire income now goes towards food, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention to address the cost of living crisis. While the International Monetary Fund views the finance law as a crucial step in addressing Kenya’s debt, Western envoys have expressed concerns over the violence and called for dialogue. The Kenya Medical Association has reported attending to numerous injured protesters and witnessing fatalities, with access to healthcare hampered by the unrest. Human Rights Watch has urged political leaders to respect the right to peaceful protest and condemned the use of excessive force by police.