Indian embassy issues advisory to citizens after violence erupts in Kenya over tax hikes: ’Avoid non-essential...’

The Indian embassy in Kenya on Wednesday cautioned Indian citizens residing in the country to restrict non-essential movement and avoid visiting the anti-tax protest-affected areas until the situation improves.

“In view of the prevailing tense situation, all Indians in Kenya are advised to exercise utmost caution, restrict non-essential movement and avoid the areas affected by the protests and violence till the situation clears up,” the Indian embassy shared an advisory on X (formerly Twitter).

According to official data, around 20,000 Indians are currently living in Kenya. 

Kenya's capital, Nairobi, and other cities across the country witnessed violent clashes and demonstrations after Kenya's Parliament passed a controversial bill that proposed to increase taxes.

Thousands of protesters stormed Kenya’s Parliament Tuesday to protest tax proposals, burning parts of the building, sending lawmakers fleeing and drawing fire from police in unrest that the president vowed to quash. 

Five persons were shot dead and 31 wounded on Tuesday during the protests. Journalists saw at least three bodies outside the complex where police had opened fire, and medical workers reported five people killed. The Kenya Medical Association said in a statement that at least five people were fatally shot while trying to treat wounded people at the scene. It said more than 30 people were wounded, at least 13 with live bullets.

Police fired live ammunition and threw tear gas canisters at protesters who sought treatment at a medical tent at a nearby church. Clashes spread to other cities. There was no immediate word on arrests.

It was the most direct assault on the government in decades. Protesters had demanded that legislators vote against a finance bill imposing new taxes on East Africa's economic hub, where frustrations over the high cost of living have simmered. Youth who had voted Ruto into power with cheers for his promises of economic relief have taken to the streets to object to the pain of reforms.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is “deeply concerned” by the deadly violence rocking Kenya following anti-tax protests, his spokesman said Tuesday, describing him as “saddened” by reports of fatalities.

“(The) Secretary-General is obviously deeply concerned over the reported violence that we've seen connected with these protests and street demonstrations,” spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a briefing.

“He's very much saddened by the reports of deaths and injuries, including of journalists and medical personnel,” he added. 

(With inputs from agencies)