India issues advisory for citizens in Kenya to exercise 'utmost caution' amid protests

India on Tuesday (Jun 25) advised its citizens in Kenya to be cautious amid deadly protests against the government's proposed tax hikes.

In an advisory posted on X, the Indian consulate in Kenya said: "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."

"Please follow local news and Mission’s website and social media handles for updates," the advisory added.

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News agencies reported that five people were shot dead and dozens were wounded after police clashed with demonstrators who stormed the parliament compound in Nairobi.

Tensions continued to escalate with the defence ministry deploying the military to support embattled police officers to disperse the angry crowd.

The military was deployed to support the police "in response to the security emergency caused by the ongoing violent protests" across Kenya "resulting in destruction and breaching of critical infrastructure", cabinet secretary Aden Bare Duale said in a statement.

"Despite the assurance by the government that the right to assembly would be protected and facilitated, today's protests have spiraled into violence," several NGOs said in a joint statement that reported the dead and wounded.

White House urges calm

The White House called for calm in Kenya, which is a close US partner. "The United States is closely monitoring the situation in Nairobi. We condemn violence in all its forms and urge calm," a National Security Council spokesperson said.

The US was among other Western nations that said they were "deeply concerned" by violence. The embassies and diplomatic missions from 13 countries, including Canada, Germany, Britain and the United States, said in a joint statement they were "especially shocked by the scenes witnessed outside the Kenyan Parliament".

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President Ruto vows tough action

President William Ruto addressed the media amid the ongoing protests. He vowed to take a tough line against "violence and anarchy".

"We shall provide a full, effective and expeditious response to today's treasonous events," Ruto told the press briefing in Nairobi, saying the demonstrations were "hijacked by dangerous people".

"It is not in order or even conceivable that criminals pretending to be peaceful protesters can reign terror against the people, their elected representatives and the institutions established under our constitution and expect to go scot-free," Ruto added.

"I hereby put on notice the planners, financiers, orchestrators, abetters of violence and anarchy."

(With inputs from agencies)