During an interview with CNN, Obama expressed disbelief at the young people protesting for their rights. She attended the protest to show her support for the protesters who were being pepper-sprayed despite being unarmed and carrying only flags and banners. President Obama’s sister, Auma, was tear-gassed during the demonstration in Nairobi.
Kenyan President William Ruto condemned the protests and the deaths of at least five protesters by gunfire from security forces as “treason.” However, he failed to address the underlying issue behind the protests – a controversial bill proposing significant tax increases. The protests erupted in violence as police used tear gas and live fire on the protesters. In response to the growing anger over the cost of living, the government made some concessions but they were not enough to quell the protests.
The police response to the protests was criticized by human rights and civil society groups, as well as international organizations. The use of live bullets on protesters and paramedics was condemned, and there were reports of human rights violations during the demonstrations. President Ruto declared the protests a threat to national security and deployed the army to support the police services.
The joint statement by Amnesty International Kenya, the Kenya Medical Association, the Law Society of Kenya, and the Kenya Police Reforms Task Force accused the police of excessive force and violations of human rights. The use of live bullets on protesters was particularly condemned, and there were reports of police shooting at an emergency medical center located in a church. The situation in Kenya remains tense as the protests continue and the government responds with heavy-handed measures.