Kenya deploys military amid violent protests over Finance Bill
National
By
David Njaaga
| Jun 25, 2024
Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has gazetted the deployment of Kenya Defence Forces to aid the police amid ongoing countrywide anti-Finance Bill protests.
In a gazette notice on Tuesday, June 25, Duale said, "Pursuant to Article 241(3)(b) of the Constitution of Kenya, as read with sections 31(1)(a), 31(1)(c), 33(1), 34(1), and 34(2) of the Kenya Defence Forces Act (Cap. 199), the Kenya Defence Forces were deployed on June 24, 2024, to support the National Police Service in response to the security emergency.”
Duale noted that the decision was prompted by the violent protests ongoing in various parts of the country, which have led to the destruction and breaching of critical infrastructure.
Hundreds of Anti-Finance Bill protesters entered Parliament on Tuesday afternoon, hours after police shot several demonstrators outside the premises.
READ MORE
Irony of lowest inflation in 17 years but Kenyans barely making ends meet
How new KRA guidelines will impact income tax calculation
Job loss fears as Mbadi orders cost-cutting in State agencies
Diversifying Kenya's exports for economic prosperity
State defends livestock vaccination programme
Amazon says US strike caused 'no disruptions'
State warns millers against wheat imports
Tanzania firm now eyes other sectors after Bamburi acquisition
Rioters also set fire to several vehicles belonging to the police as tension escalated around the city.
At least 10 people reportedly died when police opened fire on protesters outside Parliament in Nairobi.
Chaotic scenes unfolded with live bullets and tear gas shortly after Members of Parliament approved the bill.
Several protesters sustained serious bullet wounds during the violent confrontations, with ambulances seen picking up casualties at the scene.