Kenyan court approves military deployment to crush demonstrations

More than 20 people have reportedly been slain in nationwide protests, which are mostly spearheaded by young people opposed to the government's tax increases.

Armoured military vehicles patrolled Nairobi's streets on Thursday, while police used tear gas to disperse demonstrators who threatened to overrun the presidential palace.

A judge stated that the military deployment was necessary to defend government assets, but allowed the authorities two days to clarify how long the deployment would last and the rules of engagement.

"To deploy the military in a blanket manner without defining their scope of operation and the duration of their operation is a dangerous trend that can bring about militarisation of the country," judge Lawrence Mugambi wrote.

The Law Society of Kenya, which had petitioned the court to order the army's return to the barracks, said it "respects but disagrees" with the decision.

President William Ruto bowed to pressure on Wednesday, saying he will remove the financial law containing the unpopular tax measures, a day after irate demonstrators briefly invaded parliament and burned it ablaze.

Isaac Mwaura, the government spokesman, told the BBC's Newsday program that the withdrawal of the law was a "huge blow to the government" since it left a "big hole" in the budget.

"There was a very well choreographed campaign, both locally and internationally, to misinform and disinform people so that they can create a revolt," she said.

The finance law attempted to raise taxes to assist reduce the country's debt burden, as demanded by lenders such as the International Monetary Fund.

Many protesters question if the president will enforce the austerity measures he proposed on Wednesday.

They have also been outraged by reports of arbitrary arrests of protestors and the deaths of at least 23 individuals. Some are now pushing on the president to step down.

State agents are accused of kidnapping hundreds of protesters.

The state-funded Kenya National Human Rights Commission stated that it had assisted in the release of more than 300 people who had been "illegally detained".

However, Mr Mwaura refuted this, claiming that "criminal elements who wanted a coup d'etat" attempted to use the nonviolent protests.