Kenya | Violent protests over rising cost of living

Kenya explodes due to the increase in the cost of living. In Nairobi, at least one person has already died in the framework of the protests that agitate the African country due to the rise in prices and the new taxes applied to petroleum products, including gasoline.

Police fired tear gas at some protesters who set tires on fire and threw stones at the officers.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga, who lost last year’s election to President William Ruto, has repeatedly called on Kenyans to protest as the country battles debt and rising prices.

The new taxes have increased frustration in the economic hub of East Africa, where inflation hovers at 8%.

Taxes on petroleum products, including gasoline, have doubled from 8% to 16%, a move that is expected to have a ripple effect.

The police have been criticized by human rights advocates for their response to these protests and for their claim that any demonstrations require prior notification “in the interest of national security”.