Kenya Declares State of Emergency Amid Protests

Kenya's Defense Secretary Aden Duale declared a state of emergency today in response to widespread anti-government protests.

The announcement, published in the "Kenya Gazette," stated that Kenyan Defense Forces were deployed on June 25, 2024, to support police efforts in addressing the security emergency caused by the ongoing violent protests that have damaged infrastructure across the country.

The protests, initially sparked by a proposed bill, began in Nairobi and quickly spread nationwide.

A call for a national strike was made for today, June 25. Last Sunday, Kenyan President William Ruto expressed his willingness to engage with the thousands of young protesters, commending their peaceful demonstrations.

While the protests have been largely peaceful, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse demonstrators near the parliament.

Ruto's administration defended its plan to implement new taxes, which it deems essential for the heavily indebted nation.

Ruto emphasized that the plan includes measures to combat youth unemployment and improve access to education.

Kenya recorded an annual inflation rate of 5.1% in May, with food prices rising by 6.2% and fuel by 7.8%, according to the central bank.

About one-third of Kenya's 51.5 million residents live below the poverty line.