Standard Media Group has revealed that it has received threats from the government due to the coverage of the Anti-finance bill protests.

In a live bulletin KTN news reporter, Ashley Mazuri said that the government had issued threats to the media house with the intention of shutting them down.

“In the wake of our detailed coverage of the ongoing protests against the finance bill 2024 that has been organized by the Gen Z protesters, we would like to inform our viewers that we have received threats from authorities with intention to shut us down,” she said.

The media house reiterated its commitment to safeguarding the public interest of its viewers.

“We would like to inform the public of our commitment to defend the public interest and we shall not be cowered by any threats,” she added.

Anti-Finance bill protests

The Anti-Finance Bill protests in Kenya took a violent turn on Tuesday, June 25, as hundreds of demonstrators stormed the country’s parliament building. 

Protesters, angered by the government’s proposed tax hikes, forced their way into the parliament compound, with some parts of the building set on fire.

Also Read: Live Blog: Anti- Finance Bill Protesters Set Sakaja’s Office on Fire

Police deployed at the scene responded by firing tear gas and water cannons at the crowds, there were also reports of live bullets being used leading to clashes that resulted in at least 13 deaths. 

The protests, which had been building for days, were sparked by the government controversial Finance Bill 2024/2025, which aims to raise an additional $2.7 billion in taxes to reduce the budget deficit and state borrowing.

The proposed tax increases have faced widespread public backlash, with a youth-led movement, known as the “7 Rage” protests, calling for a “total shutdown” of the country. 

Despite President William Ruto’s attempts to engage with the protesters the situation escalated on Tuesday as demonstrators breached the parliament’s security perimeter.

The government has been accused of heavy-handed tactics, including the alleged abduction of prominent activists who have been vocal in their opposition to the proposed tax hikes.

Haki Africa Coondemns the Extra Judicial Killings

In a somber press conference outside Kenyatta National Hospital, HAKI Africa Executive Director Hussein Khalid condemned the police’s use of lethal force against protesters, resulting in at least two deaths during the demonstrations 

Khalid confirmed that one protester had died instantly from a gunshot wound to the head, while another succumbed to their injuries before reaching the hospital.

Also Read: Media Council Makes Plea to IG Koome After Police Attacked 5 Journalists

“The doctors have told us that they received two dead who arrived when already dead; one was shot in the head while the other was already dead, I don’t know where he was injured,” Khalid said.

In addition to the two fatalities, Khalid reported that the hospital had treated 125 people, most of whom had sustained soft tissue injuries and other wounds during the clashes between protesters and security forces.

Condemning the police’s actions in the strongest terms, Khalid said that the organization would take action against the extra-judicial killings so as to ensure victims got justice.

“We are very saddened, and we want to inform the state that Kenya has moved many years from those dark days, and we are not in a police state. The police should not use excessive force on peaceful youthful protesters.”

“We will work with the necessary authorities to make sure that those who have been killed or injured get justice. We cannot allow any use of excessive force like this,” he added.

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