India issues advisory for its citizens in Kenya as tax hike protests turn violent

India on Tuesday advised its citizens in Kenya to exercise ‘utmost caution’ amid the ongoing protests being staged against tax hike in the country turned violent.

“In view of the prevailing tense situation, all Indians in Kenya are advised to exercise utmost caution, restrict non-essential movement and avoid the areas affected by the protests and violence till the situation clears up”, the Indian consulate in Kenya posted an advisory on X.

In the succeeding thread, the consulate added that the Indian citizens residing in Kenya should follow local news and the Mission’s website and social media handles for updates.

Earlier on Tuesday, police opened fire on demonstrators trying to storm Kenya’s legislature with at least five protesters killed, dozens wounded and sections of the parliament building set ablaze as lawmakers inside passed legislation to raise taxes.

Notably, Kenyan activist Auma Obama, the half-sister of former US President Barack Obama, was among protesters tear-gassed during demonstrations outside the Parliament building in Nairobi, a CNN interview showed.

“I’m here because – look at what’s happening. Young Kenyans are demonstrating for their rights. They’re demonstrating with flags and banners. I can’t even see anymore,” Auma Obama said, while trying to shield her eyes from the spreading smoke. “We are being tear-gassed.”

Meanwhile, another protester behind Obama carried a sign that read, “Colonialism never ended in Kenya,” while another yelled, “This is our country. This is our nation.”