Photos: Kenya Hit by Violence Over Tax Hike Proposal

This week, Kenya's opposition coalition, Azimio One Kenya, has called on Kenyan President William Ruto to sign a bill calling for early elections amid ongoing protests against tax hikes.

The protests have been taking place across the country since mid-June following the government's introduction of a bill proposing a 16% value-added tax (VAT) on bread, sugar transportation, mobile and financial services, and foreign currency transactions. It also included a 2.5% excise tax on cars and vegetable oil. In response to the escalating protests, Ruto refused to sign the bill and sent it back to parliament for further review.

Unfortunately, there have been some casualties. According to the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights, 39 individuals lost their lives and 361 were injured over the course of two weeks of protests. Moreover, hundreds have been arrested; on Tuesday alone, police apprehended more than 270 demonstrators due to criminal acts.

Take a look at Sputnik Africa's gallery to see how the events have been unfolding.

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Protesters gesture at Kenya anti-riot police around a burning barricade during an anti-government demonstration called following nationwide deadly protests over tax hikes and a controversial now-withdrawn tax bill in downtown Nairobi, on July 2, 2024.

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Kenya anti-riot police officers fire a tear gas canister at protesters during an anti-government demonstration called following nationwide deadly protests over tax hikes and a controversial now-withdrawn tax bill in downtown Nairobi, on July 2, 2024.

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Vehicles set on fire by protesters in Mombasa, Kenya, Tuesday, July 2, 2024.

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Protesters carry a wounded man during an anti-government demonstration called following nationwide deadly protests over tax hikes and a controversial now-withdrawn tax bill in downtown Nairobi, on July 2, 2024.

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Protesters chant slogans as they use urban furniture as a barricade to clash with Kenya Police officers during an anti-government demonstration called following nationwide deadly protests over tax hikes and a controversial now-withdrawn tax bill in downtown Nairobi, on July 2, 2024.

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Kenyan ant-riot police beat a protester in downtown Nairobi, Kenya, Tuesday, July 2, 2024.

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A protester throws a tear gas canister back to Kenya Police officers amid clashes during an anti-government demonstration called following nationwide deadly protests over tax hikes and a controversial now-withdrawn tax bill in downtown Nairobi, on July 2, 2024.

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A member of the public calls for reinforcement as protesters set vehicles on fire in Mombasa, Kenya Tuesday, July 2, 2024.

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Detained protesters are seen doing push-ups during an anti-government demonstration called following nationwide deadly protests over tax hikes and a controversial now-withdrawn tax bill in downtown Nairobi, on July 2, 2024.

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A wounded man is led away by police after he was detained on suspicion of being a looter during an anti-government demonstration called following nationwide deadly protests over tax hikes and a controversial now-withdrawn tax bill in downtown Nairobi, on July 2, 2024.