Protests swept across Kenya on Tuesday as thousands of demonstrators took to the streets, calling for the resignation of President William Ruto.
The protests, which began in response to a proposed $2.7 billion tax hike, have grown to encompass broader grievances against the government.
As protesters marched through the streets, they chanted slogans such as “Ruto must go!” and “Kenya deserves better!” They also spread hashtags on social media, including #KenyaProtests, #RutoMustGo, and #OccupyEverywhere.
Police responded with force, using tear gas to disperse crowds and arresting numerous protesters.
Reports of violence and clashes between demonstrators and authorities have emerged, with at least 50 deaths reported according to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights.
Another 59 people have been abducted or are missing and 628 others were arbitrarily arrested, the commission said.
President Ruto has blamed the protests on foreign entities and “criminals,” but demonstrators remain resolute in their demands for change.
On Monday, Ruto accused the Ford Foundation, a US-based philanthropic organization, of sponsoring individuals who have caused ‘violence and mayhem’ in Kenya.
The Ford Foundation has, however, denied the allegation, stating that it does not fund or sponsor protests and maintains a strictly non-partisan approach to its grant-making.
The protests have brought major towns and cities across Kenya to a standstill, with tensions expected to continue in the coming days.