Kenya's High Court has sanctioned the deployment of the military to support police efforts in quelling ongoing violent protests. This decision comes after days of escalating unrest, sparked by President William Ruto's proposed Finance Bill 2024, which aims to introduce new taxes to raise an additional 302 billion shillings ($2.3 billion) for the upcoming budget year. The protests have resulted in at least 17 deaths and widespread destruction of property. President Ruto has denounced the protests as "treasonous" and called for immediate military intervention to restore order. The demonstrations began in response to the Finance Bill, which includes several unpopular tax measures. Although some contentious taxes, such as a 16% levy on bread, were removed, protesters demand the complete withdrawal of the bill. Defence Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale announced the military deployment in a gazette notice dated June 25, citing Article 241 (3) (b) of the Kenyan Constitution. The notice stated that the Kenya Defence Forces (KDF) were deployed to support the National Police Service due to the security emergency caused by violent protests, which have led to the destruction of critical infrastructure. The protests reached a peak on Tuesday when demonstrators breached parliamentary barricades and entered the complex, leading to violent clashes with police. Amnesty International Kenya reported that police fired live rounds, injuring many protesters. Several sections of Parliament and other buildings, including the Supreme Court and City Hall, were set on fire. The international community, including the United States and the United Kingdom, has condemned the violence and the government's response. In a joint statement, representatives from 13 countries expressed deep concern over the violent crackdown and the resultant deaths. The High Court, while approving the military deployment, emphasized the need for transparency regarding the terms of engagement and the duration of the operation. Justice Lawrence Mugambi stated that although the deployment is justified to protect property and government installations, it is essential to outline the specific reasons and duration to prevent creating public apprehension. “The military, by its nature and training, is not equipped to deal with civilian populations as its primary principle is suppression through the use of force to resolve crises,” Justice Mugambi noted. He insisted that the government must publish crucial information to ensure public scrutiny and awareness. Following the High Court's ruling, the National Assembly approved the motion to deploy KDF officers to restore order. This decision aligns with the constitutional provisions for military deployment in emergencies and ensures that the military's involvement is regulated and monitored. The deployment of the military marks a significant step in the government's efforts to control the situation. However, it also raises concerns about the potential for further violence and the impact on civil liberties. As Kenya navigates this turbulent period, the government's actions and adherence to legal protocols will be closely watched both domestically and internationally.
