Kenya Protests: Dozens Hospitalized with Bullet Wounds During Tax Bill Anniversary Demonstrations

Anniversary Protests Erupt in Kenya

• 🗓️ Thousands of Kenyans took to the streets on Wednesday to commemorate the one-year anniversary of protests against a controversial tax bill.
• 🏥 Over 50 people were hospitalized, many with bullet wounds, following rallies in Nairobi.
• ❓ The source of the shootings was not immediately clear.

Police Response and Clashes

• 💥 Protesters erected barricades and displayed symbolic banners, while police responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse crowds.
• 🚗 Traffic heading towards the central business district was blocked by authorities.
• 🌍 Isolated clashes were also reported in the port city of Mombasa.

Concerns Over Excessive Force and Media Blackout

• 🗣️ Some participants described the situation as a "massacre" due to the ongoing loss of life.
• 📰 The Communications Authority of Kenya ordered a halt to live broadcasts of the demonstrations as they spread to other towns.

Historical Context of Protests

• 💔 Last year's demonstrations resulted in at least 60 deaths and the storming of the National Parliament.
• ⚖️ Although the previous bill was withdrawn, public anger over excessive force persists, fueled by recent protests concerning the death of a blogger in police custody.