Youth-led protests in Kenya against a new Finance Bill aimed at raising $2.7 billion through additional taxes have escalated into violent clashes, resulting in multiple deaths and injuries across the nation. The bill, designed to reduce Kenya's budget deficit and alleviate its high public debt, has sparked significant backlash from a population already grappling with economic hardships.

On Tuesday, demonstrators attempted to storm the Kenyan parliament in Nairobi as lawmakers voted on the contentious bill. The protests, which began in a festival-like atmosphere, quickly turned chaotic. Police resorted to tear gas, water cannons, and eventually live ammunition to disperse the crowds. The situation deteriorated further when parts of the parliament building were set ablaze. Witness accounts suggest at least five protesters were killed and dozens injured, though some reports claim the death toll could be higher.

The finance bill's contentious elements include new taxes on essential goods, such as sanitary towels and diapers, which could exacerbate the cost of living for ordinary Kenyans. Although some proposed taxes, such as those on bread, were removed following public outcry, opposition to the bill remains strong. Kenyans fear the tax hikes will further strain an economy already reeling from the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, and consecutive droughts.

The protests have not been confined to Nairobi alone. Demonstrations and clashes have erupted in other cities, including Kisumu, Mombasa, and Eldoret, even reaching Garissa, where police blocked roads leading to Somalia's port of Kismayu. The movement, primarily driven by an online, youth-led initiative, marks a departure from traditional protests led by political figures open to negotiated settlements.

Violence escalated across Nairobi as police fired tear gas in the central business district and the poor neighborhood of Kibera. Protesters retaliated by throwing stones at police and clambering over stalled police vehicles. Similar scenes unfolded in other parts of the country, with police unable to fully contain the widespread unrest.

President William Ruto, who won office on a platform of supporting Kenya's working poor, faces a delicate balancing act. Pressured by international lenders like the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to cut deficits, his administration has had to make tough fiscal decisions even as the populace finds these measures increasingly unbearable. The IMF has emphasized the need for Kenya to meet its revenue targets to access further funding.

Ruto recently praised the protesters for exercising their democratic rights and expressed a willingness to engage with them. However, his comments have done little to quell the anger of those impacted by the proposed tax hikes. The opposition, led by figures such as Raila Odinga, has called for the withdrawal of the Finance Bill and for immediate dialogue to address the nation's economic challenges.

Human rights organizations have condemned the government's response to the protests. The Kenya Human Rights Commission shared footage on social media of police shooting at demonstrators, accusing the government of descending into tyranny and calling for accountability. Allegations of police abductions, extrajudicial killings, and torture have further inflamed tensions. Civil society groups report that police have targeted vocal protestors, abducting them from homes and public spaces.

Parliament Speaker Moses Wetangula has directed the inspector general of police to provide information on the whereabouts of those allegedly abducted. Despite these measures, trust in the government continues to wane. Opposition legislators have voiced their dissent by refusing to participate in parliamentary votes, shouting slogans such as reject, reject during proceedings.

The Kenyan Finance Ministry has warned that amending the Finance Bill could create a significant budgetary shortfall, necessitating either drastic spending cuts or increased taxes elsewhere. Critics argue that the government is prioritizing revenue-raising measures over curbing corruption and addressing systemic inefficiencies.

This ongoing struggle highlights the broader challenges faced by Kenya's government – balancing economic recovery and public trust in an era marked by complex global and domestic pressures. The coming days will be critical in determining how these tensions are resolved and whether President Ruto can navigate this crisis without further eroding his support base.