Nairobi, July 3, 2024 – Kenya is experiencing significant anti-government protests that have turned violent, resulting in the deaths of 39 people over the past two weeks. The protests, sparked by soaring living costs and high prices of daily commodities, have escalated in the capital city of Nairobi and the coastal city of Mombasa.

On Tuesday, thousands of citizens took to the streets, initially staging peaceful demonstrations demanding the resignation of President William Ruto. However, tensions quickly rose as protesters encountered police resistance. The situation escalated when the demonstrators began throwing stones at the security forces, prompting the police to respond with tear gas and water cannons.

The clashes resulted in several injuries, with numerous individuals needing hospitalization. The police's heavy-handed response has further fueled public outrage and exacerbated the unrest.

The protests began in response to a recent move by the Kenyan Parliament to increase taxes on almost all products, a decision that has significantly burdened the average citizen. The tax hikes have led to widespread discontent, as many Kenyans struggle to cope with the rising cost of living. The decision to raise taxes has been viewed as a critical factor in the current wave of protests.

The Kenyan government has yet to make a formal statement addressing the violence and the protesters' demands. The situation remains tense as demonstrators continue to voice their grievances against the government and call for immediate action to alleviate the financial strain on the populace.

The ongoing protests highlight the deep-seated frustrations among Kenyans regarding economic conditions and governance. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, as the potential for further violence remains high. 

Efforts to mediate the conflict and address the underlying issues will be crucial in restoring peace and stability in the country. The government's response in the coming days will play a pivotal role in determining the future course of events in Kenya.