Kenya's Police Boss Resigns Amid Rising Social Unrest

Kenya's police chief stepped down as President Ruto responds to concerns over police brutality during protests against a proposed tax hike. The protests have grown into demands for Ruto's resignation, prompting him to dismiss most of his Cabinet ministers and withdraw the tax proposal. Six bodies were found amidst allegations of police misconduct.

In a move aimed at addressing growing public dissent, Kenya's police chief resigned on Friday. This follows President William Ruto's attempts to quell protests over a proposed tax hike, which have since evolved into calls for his own resignation.

The protests intensified on June 25 when demonstrators stormed parliament after the passage of the tax bill, forcing lawmakers to escape through an underground tunnel. Police opened fire on the protesters, further inflaming public anger.

Responding to the social unrest, President Ruto withdrew the tax proposal and dismissed almost all of his Cabinet ministers. On Friday, he accepted the resignation of Inspector General Japhet Koome, with Deputy Douglas Kanja stepping in as acting inspector general.

The unrest is significant given Kenya's role as a regional leader and ally to Western nations on counterterrorism and other issues. The situation's gravity was underscored when 400 Kenyan police were deployed to Haiti recently for a UN-backed mission. President Joe Biden also honored Ruto with a state dinner in May.

Human rights groups have accused Kenyan police of abductions and illegal detentions as they clamp down on protests. Further stoking the flames, police confirmed the discovery of six female bodies in a quarry, with more possibly still to be found.

University students have also protested following the death of a colleague, allegedly killed by police for posting a video from inside parliament during the June 25 unrest. These protests come amidst widespread calls for sacking Cabinet ministers over issues like incompetence, corruption, and opulence during a time of economic hardship.

Kenya's already ballooning debt is expected to increase further after the rejection of the finance bill initially deemed necessary by Ruto to raise revenue.

(With inputs from agencies.)