By Enyichukwu Enemanna
The White House has condemned reported “deadly” violence in Kenya, where medical sources said 23 people had died since the beginning of this week, arising violent clashes between police and protesters.
“The United States is deeply concerned about and we condemn the reported violence in all its forms,” White House national security spokesman John Kirby told reporters.
Kenyan President William Ruto on Wednesday announced the withdrawal of planned tax increase, bowing to pressure from demonstrators who had stormed parliament and threatened more action this week.
On Tuesday, police opened fire on crowds who massed around parliament and later broke into the assembly’s compound, minutes after lawmakers had voted through the tax measures.
“The United States has been in touch with the Kenyan government to urge appropriate use of force by the police, to respect human rights … and we will continue to push for calm to prevail,” said Kirby.
The Kenyan leader said he would now enter into dialogue with the young people, who were at the forefront of the biggest protests to have hit the country since he assumed office September 2022.
Despite nationwide demonstrations against the bill proposing the tax increase, it was passed into law by the parliament on Tuesday, after which demonstrators invaded the building.
Protesters had broken into the parliament, vandalising the interior and setting parts of the complex on fire.
The ceremonial mace, symbolising the authority of the legislature was also looted.
