In a hurry? Here’s a quick summary…
- South Africa’s EFF condemns Kenya’s use of force on protesters against the Finance Bill 2024, citing human rights violations.
- President Ruto deploys military amid violent demonstrations in Nairobi, sparking international concern and calls for peaceful dialogue.
South African opposition leader Julius Malema’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF) party has strongly criticized the Kenyan Police’s use of force against protesters during Tuesday’s demonstrations against the Finance Bill 2024.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, EFF denounced the use of live ammunition on unarmed civilians as unacceptable and a violation of human rights.
The EFF condemned the Kenyan government’s decision to escalate rather than de-escalate the conflict by deploying both police and military forces under the guise of addressing a ‘security emergency’.
They particularly criticized President William Ruto’s characterization of the protesters as ‘organised criminals’ and his threat to crack down on those involved in the unrest.
Read Also:
Tensions Escalate as Journalist Gets Shot During Anti-Finance Bill Demos
Finance Bill Protestors Set City Hall Ablaze
Charlene Ruto Faces Backlash for Defending Father Amid Anti-Finance Bill Protests
President Ruto, in a televised address, described Tuesday’s events as a threat to national security and announced the deployment of military support to reinforce police operations.
However, the EFF interpreted Ruto’s actions and words as dismissive of legitimate grievances and accused him of using excessive force to push through a bill that benefits foreign interests over Kenyan citizens.
EFF called on President Ruto to cease violent suppression of protests, withdraw military and police from the streets, and engage in meaningful dialogue with Kenyan citizens to address their concerns.
They expressed solidarity with the people of Kenya in their struggle against what they perceive as oppressive governance and economic exploitation.
Tuesday’s demonstrations turned violent as protesters breached police lines and stormed Parliament buildings in Nairobi after lawmakers passed the controversial bill.
The ensuing clashes resulted in casualties, including at least five deaths and over 125 injuries according to human rights organizations like Amnesty International and HAKI Africa.
International figures including United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and African Union Commission chairperson Moussa Faki have called for restraint from Kenyan authorities and emphasized the importance of peaceful dialogue to resolve the crisis.