Death toll in Kenya’s finance bill protest hits 30.

At least 30 people died in protests in Kenya this week sparked by the government drive to substantially raise taxes. The bill proposed levies on locally produced products, such as diapers and sanitary towels, including taxes on motor vehicles, and mobile money transfer fees.

The peaceful rallies turned violent earlier on Tuesday when lawmakers passed the deeply unpopular tax increase following pressure from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). After the announcement of the vote, crowds stormed the parliament complex and a fire broke out. President William Ruto ultimately shelved some of those taxes, but Kenyans remain angry, and called for the bill to be scrapped completely. After pledging to scrap the tax plan, Ruto now faces growing pressure to resign. The economic challenges under Ruto’s administration have been profound. Kenyans have struggled with economic instability, rampant corruption, and governance issues, escalating living costs and high unemployment rates.

Civic groups such as the Law Society of Kenya are also calling for the removal of Kenya’s inspector general of police and Nairobi’s regional police commander after officers were accused of reportedly shooting directly at protesters. Although there is no confirmation on the overall number of people killed in Nairobi and other towns at least 30 people have been confirmed dead with multiple others injured.

Kenya, one of Africa’s dominant economy, has grappled with escalating living costs that have spiked food prices and other commodities. The nation also owes billions of dollars in foreign and local debts- reportedly $70 Billion, which is over 70 percent of the country’s GDP.