Pay Rise Details
According to local media, the pay rise for cabinet members and lawmakers was implemented despite the ongoing protests. Cabinet secretaries will now earn Ksh. 990,000, up from Ksh. 957,000, while principal secretaries will earn Ksh. 819,844, up from Ksh. 792,519. Speakers of the National Assembly and Senate will earn Ksh. 1,208,362, up from Ksh. 1,185,327, and members of parliament will earn Ksh. 739,600, up from Ksh. 725,502. The pay rise has been widely criticized as insensitive and tone-deaf, given the widespread suffering and anger among Kenyans.
Protests Intensify
The protests, which initially focused on the controversial finance bill, have morphed into calls for President Ruto’s resignation. Demonstrators accuse the government of corruption, poor performance, and disregard for the welfare of ordinary Kenyans. Despite the withdrawal of the bill last week, protests continue, with youths carrying coffins in a #RutoMustGo protest shutting down Nairobi and other parts of the country. The protests have been marked by violence, with police using tear gas and live ammunition to disperse demonstrators.
Human Rights Commission Reports Deaths
The Kenya National Commission on Human Rights reported that 39 people have been killed between June 18 and July, with hundreds injured. The commission has condemned the excessive use of force by police and called for an investigation into the deaths. President Ruto has denied responsibility for the deaths, stating that he has “no blood on his hands.”
Ruto’s Response
Speaking to journalists on Sunday night, President Ruto said, “I have no blood on my hands. Nineteen people are dead to the record that I have from security agencies. Very unfortunate. As a democracy, that should not be part of our conversation.” The president’s response has been widely criticized as inadequate and dismissive of the suffering of Kenyans.
International Community Calls for Restraint
The international community has called for restraint and dialogue in Kenya. The United States, European Union, and United Nations have issued statements urging the government and protesters to exercise restraint and engage in peaceful dialogue. The African Union has also called for calm and restraint, urging Kenyan authorities to respect the rights of citizens.
Bottom Line
The situation in Kenya remains volatile and tense, with protests continuing and the government showing no signs of backing down. The pay rise for cabinet members and lawmakers has only added fuel to the fire, with many Kenyans seeing it as a symbol of the government’s disconnect from the people.
