Death Toll Rises to Twenty-two, Kenyan Protesters stormed parliament

Kenyans faced the lingering smell of tear gas and military in the streets Wednesday, June 26, a day after protesters stormed parliament over a tax plan that would increase the cost of living an act of defiance that President William Ruto called an “existential” threat.
At least 22 people were killed, a human rights group said.
The capital, Nairobi, has seen protests in the past, but activists and others warned the stakes are more dangerous after the biggest assault on Kenya’s government in decades. Ruto called the events “treasonous” and vowed to quash unrest “at whatever cost.” Soldiers patrolled alongside police, who have been accused of shooting several people dead on Tuesday.
More protests are expected as Kenyans unite beyond tribal and other divisions in a youth-led effort to keep the finance bill from becoming law. It would raise taxes and fees on a range of daily items and services, from egg imports to bank transfers, increasing the pain of a majority of the country’s people who struggle to get by. The government is intent on raising revenue to pay off debt in East Africa’s economic hub.
There were no reports of violence Wednesday, but there was fear. Civil society groups have reported abductions of people involved in recent protests and expect more to come.
He said Kenya’s president missed an opportunity in his national address Tuesday night speech to calm tensions and adopt a more conciliatory approach.
Many young people who helped vote Ruto into power with cheers for his promises of economic relief now object to the pain of reforms. Thousands stormed parliament on Tuesday, and part of the building burned. Clashes occurred in several communities beyond the capital.