Casualties Rise to 31 in Kenya's Anti-Government Protests Amid Escalating Violence

The recent anti-government protests in Kenya have resulted in a tragic increase in casualties, with state-funded human rights commission reporting 31 deaths on Monday alone. This marks the highest daily toll since the protests erupted earlier this year. In addition, over 107 individuals were injured and more than 500 arrested, amid extensive property damage that included attacks on supermarkets. The reported fatalities did not clarify if any police officers were involved.

Demonstrators, primarily youths and concerned citizens, have been protesting against police violence and inadequate governance, calling for President William Ruto to resign due to allegations of corruption and the rising living costs. Although the president has not yet addressed the situation or the reported death toll, the protests have garnered significant attention both nationally and internationally.

Volker Türk, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, has emphasized the importance of addressing the public's grievances and has called for calm and respect for the rights to free expression and assembly. The protests on Monday coincided with the anniversary of the Saba Saba pro-democracy protests, which historically sought a transition from a one-party state to a multiparty democracy in Kenya.

The current wave of protests was ignited by a blogger’s death while in police custody last month, as well as a police shooting of a civilian during a protest in mid-June. Over the past two weeks, a total of 50 individuals have reportedly lost their lives in the ongoing demonstrations. Additionally, the Kenya National Cohesion and Integration Commission has called on political leaders to refrain from inciting ethnic tensions and criticized law enforcement for using excessive force against protestors.

Interior Minister Kipchumba Murkomen recently instructed police to take aggressive measures against anyone approaching police stations during the protests after various incidents of arson. The population's discontent has been fueled by Ruto's attempts to implement measures that would increase taxes to address the country's substantial debt. In the previous year, significant protests occurred when young adults stormed parliament, prompting promises from Ruto to reduce government expenditures.

As the situation unfolds, the unrest has led to a rise in opportunistic looting, with businesses reporting significant losses. Local business owners, like mobile phone seller Nancy Gicharu, have expressed deep concerns about the impact on their livelihoods, describing incidents of theft and property destruction during the chaos.