On 25 June 2024, the government of Kenya passed a tax increase, setting off large-scale protests in Nairobi's Central Business District during morning and afternoon hours. These anti-government protests quickly turned violent as protesters stormed Parliament and other government buildings in the immediate area. Police responded with live ammunition, rubber bullets, tear gas, and water cannons. Several people were killed and more than 100 injured in the unrest. A crackdown on protesters and further unrest is likely following late-night comments made by President William Ruto.
Situation Report
- The tax increase is part of Finance Bill 2024, which passed parliament and awaits President Ruto's signature.
- Members of Parliament (MP) who voted YES fled through a tunnel to nearby buildings while those who voted NO were allowed to leave by the protesters.
- Parts of the parliament building were set on fire while other government buildings were ransacked.
- Additional protests were reported in Mombasa, Kikuyu, Nakuru, Eldoret, Nyeri, and other cities, though these largely remained peaceful. In one case in Nyeri, protesters stormed a grocery store owned by an MP who voted YES and looted it.
- Mobile and internet networks are experiencing disruptions due to outages of two undersea internet cables. These outages are causing internet disruptions in Uganda and Rwanda as well.
- An additional protest is planned for 27 June. In response to today's unrest, Kenya's Defense Minister announced military deployments to assist police.
- Opposition members have called on President Ruto to resign. President Ruto delivered an announcement at 9:00 PM local time, which is analyzed below.
Analysis
- President Ruto did not explicitly state whether he would pass the tax hike suggesting he will likely pass it in the near to medium term. The passage of the bill is the main flashpoint for further violence. Regardless, the President’s speech indicated a harsher security stance going forward.
- Sporadic unrest is likely to continue until the President passes the tax bill. Ruto will likely prepare the security environment before the law’s passage.
- President Ruto referred to protesters as criminals and traitors, accused them of having foreign backing, and condemned the occupation of Parliament and removal of a ceremonial mace.
- President Ruto applauded the security forces and did not mention or criticize the use of live ammunition on protesters; he explicitly blamed protesters for all of the deaths as well as the violence generally. He also promised to allow the nation’s security forces a wide latitude and all possible resources to combat future unrest.
- President Ruto promised to continue dialogue with the nation’s youth but affirmed security and the rule of law as his main priorities.
Recommendations
- Prepare for additional violence if business operations are located near government buildings.
- Plan for remote work in the near term if unrest continues.
- Follow guidance from local authorities.
- Shelter in place as required.
STANDING BY TO Support
Global Guardian is closely monitoring the situation and can support clients who need assistance with the following:
- Emergency evacuation by air
- Executive protection
- Secure transportation
- Emergency response
- Intelligence reports
- Welfare checks
Click below to contact Global Guardian's 24/7 Operations Center or call us directly at +1 (703) 566-9463.
