Kenya Protests; Foreign Ministry Ensures Indonesian Citizens Safe

TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi are closely monitoring the ongoing demonstrations and riots in various regions of Kenya. These protests, sparked by the 2024/2025 Finance Bill, have erupted in 18 Kenyan districts since June 17, 2024.

At least 20 people died, 50 people were injured, and over 210 were arrested as the protests have turned violent. Several roads and supermarkets have also been shut down.

“The Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi has contacted 99 Indonesian citizens residing in Kenya and confirmed that they are safe and sound. A contingency plan is being drafted to mitigate any potential escalation of the security situation,” the ministry’s Directorate for Protection said in a statement on Thursday, June 27.

The Embassy has also urged all Indonesian citizens in Kenya to increase vigilance, avoid crowds and demonstration areas, carry identification (ID/Passport), always monitor news and information from both local authorities and mass media, and immediately contact the Indonesian Embassy in Nairobi's hotline at +254 748 763122 in case of an emergency.

Kenya has experienced high inflation in recent years and its population is increasingly burdened by the high costs of food, rent, and utilities. Citizens staged protests against the proposed Finance Bill which would raise taxes on millions of Kenyans to pay down the country's US$80 billion debt.

Amnesty International, in tandem with Kenyan civil society organizations, reported that at least five protesters died from gunshot wounds, and 31 others were injured. Thirteen people were hit by bullets, four people were hit by rubber bullets, and three people were hit by launcher shots. Eleven others were reportedly survived with minor injuries.

Additionally, they documented 21 cases of kidnapping and disappearances by uniformed and non-uniformed officers in the last 24 hours following the protests, with some victims reportedly being released. Amnesty International also recorded 52 arrests.

The Kenya Human Rights Commission on Tuesday, June 25, shared a video showing police shooting at protesters and using tear gas amid the chaos. They called on President William Ruto to end the repression of peaceful protesters. Ruto was attending an African Union retreat outside Nairobi during the protests and has not yet publicly addressed the situation.

SUCI SEKARWATI

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