Africa
Shocking Details Emerge On Why Kenyans Burnt Uganda House In Nairobi, Museveni Blamed Ruto’s Messes
Kenyan protesters have set ablaze a section of the recently renovated Uganda House in Nairobi, a building that was expected to generate significant revenue for the Ugandan government.
The property, located on Kenyatta Avenue and Standard Street, had recently undergone a Shs 70bn renovation and was hoped to earn Shs 40bn annually.As reported by Citizen TV at around 6:00 pm, Uganda House was engulfed in flames, with first responders using metallic objects to break windows in a desperate rescue operation.
The fire billowed from the building’s pillars as the situation in Kenya deteriorated, with police deploying teargas and water cannons to disperse the growing crowds.
The protests, which were anticipated and had been announced as a massive demonstration expected to draw one million participants, are a response to a contentious Finance Bill currently under debate in parliament.
The proposed legislation includes significant tax hikes, which protesters argue will drive up the prices of essential goods and make everyday life more expensive for ordinary citizens.
Despite public outcry, the government defends the tax increases, stating that they are crucial for raising national revenue and reducing the country’s dependence on borrowing. However, this justification has done little to quell the anger of the demonstrators.
The protests have spread to other towns across the country, indicating widespread discontent with the proposed financial measures.
It remains unclear why rioters targeted the Ugandan embassy, as Uganda and Kenya maintain healthy relations. Kampala was yet to make a statement on the development.
The attack on Uganda House in Nairobi is a stark indication of the simmering anger among Kenyans towards Ugandan President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni.
Some Kenyans accuse Museveni of ill-advising their President William Ruto, perpetuating a cycle of oppression and economic hardship. The protests in Kenya are a cry for change, and the targeting of Uganda House is a symbolic rejection of Museveni’s perceived interference in Kenyan affairs.
As tensions escalate, it remains to be seen how the two nations will reconcile their differences and address the grievances of the Kenyan people.The attack on Uganda House in Nairobi has raised concerns about the safety of foreign diplomatic missions in Kenya.
The ongoing protests and unrest in Kenya highlight the need for a peaceful resolution to the political tensions.
The Kenyan government must address the grievances of its citizens and find a way to balance its financial needs with the welfare of its people.Meanwhile, The chairperson of the African Union Commission has urged stakeholders to exercise calm and to refrain from further violence in Kenya.
The chairperson, Moussa Faki Mahamat, is following with “deep concern” the outbreaks of violence following public protests in Kenya, which have resulted in loss of life and damage to property, according to a statement posted on social media.
“The Chairperson also appeals to national stakeholders to engage in constructive dialogue to address the contentious issues that led to the protests in the supreme interest of Kenya,” the statement said.
The chairperson reiterated the solidarity of the African Union with the government and the people of Kenya.