At least nine people were shot dead and several others injured in Kenya as some nationals took on to the streets to demonstrate against the tax hikes in different towns across the country on Wednesday, July 12, 2023.

This follows economic protests that were organized by Azimio la Umoja Kenya party leader and former Presidential candidate Raila Amolo Odinga who called upon his supporters and other Kenyans to demonstrate against the government amidst the high cost of living doubled with increased taxes on basic needs, petroleum products, and salaries.

According to Senator Boni Khalwale, the demonstrators pelted stones at the police, as they attempted to repel them. Many were injured in the exchange including police officers where one of them was injured from Kamukunji area of Nairobi.

“At least nine people have been reported to have died in the protests, including four in Mlolongo, two in Kitengela and one in Emali in Makueni County while others are nursing gunshot wounds on the head, stomach, hands and legs,” Khalwale said.

He said that the exchange extended beyond the police and demonstrators, that at some instances, the violent protesters attacked their fellow citizens.

According to the Kenyan News Broadcaster, property and installations were destroyed, shops were looted including Eastmatt Supermarket in Kitengela.

The Broadcaster noted that transport and businesses came to a standstill as protesters turned violent, forcing many businesses to close and movements to go on a halt. Many schools in busy towns closed as learners decided to stay home in fear of the violence in many towns of Kenya.

In Kitengela, protesters attacked the divisional headquarters, destroying the national flag and torching the Assistant County Commissioner’s office, according to the Broadcaster.

The Kenyan News Broadcaster added that one of those suspected to have destroyed the pole of the national flag was shot dead. The fire was put out but the destruction was evident, while Identity cards of Kenyans were scattered across the office.

Khalwale, the police are not provoking demonstrators, goons destroyed the Nairobi Expressway and police could not just sit and allow the mayhem to go on.

“The Azimio anti-government protests were unfortunate and unconstitutional. President Ruto didn’t cause the problem of the high cost of living. The government is trying to take advantage of the challenges that Kenyans are facing,” MP John Kaguchia said.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga, the head of the Azimio la Umoja–One Kenya Coalition Party accused the police of using excessive force during the clashes, emphasizing the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the crisis.