One person was killed and at least 200 injured during nationwide protests in Kenya on Thursday against government plans to raise $2.7 billion in additional taxes, according to rights groups and the police watchdog.
Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters in Nairobi, reported five rights groups including Amnesty International and the Kenya Medical Association. Spent cartridges indicated the use of live rounds, and over 100 protesters were arrested.
The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed the death of a 29-year-old man, allegedly shot by police, and documented several serious injuries.
The man died from a thigh wound during treatment on Thursday night. Nairobi police commander Adamson Bungei did not respond to inquiries.
Rights groups praised the thousands of mostly young protesters for maintaining peaceful conduct despite police provocation. Protesters demand the government abandon its finance bill, arguing it will increase the cost of living for struggling Kenyans.
The International Monetary Fund supports the tax hikes to reduce the budget deficit and state borrowing. President William Ruto recently endorsed removing some proposed levies.
Despite the protests, lawmakers passed the finance bill in its second reading on Thursday, with final approval expected next week. The bill could leave a $1.56 billion gap in the 2024/25 budget, forcing government spending cuts.