Nairobi: At least 39 people have died and more than 360 have been injured in recent anti-government protests in Kenya against a new tax hike, according to a report by Al Jazeera, citing the Kenya National Commission on Human Rights (KNCHR).

The KNCHR announced the toll on Monday, revealing figures nearly double those previously disclosed by the government. The protests, which erupted in response to the now-withdrawn tax increases, have seen significant violence and unrest.

Between June 18 and July 1, 39 people were killed, 361 injured, and 627 arrested in connection with the protests, according to the KNCHR. The watchdog also reported 32 cases of "enforced or involuntary disappearances" during this period.

The protests, led primarily by young Gen-Z activists, turned deadly last Tuesday when lawmakers passed the contentious tax legislation. In the aftermath of the vote, demonstrators ransacked the parliament complex in Nairobi, setting parts of it ablaze. Police responded with live bullets, exacerbating the violence.

This situation represents the most serious crisis faced by President William Ruto's government since he took office in September 2022. In a televised interview on Sunday, Ruto acknowledged the deaths of 19 protesters but denied responsibility, promising an investigation into the fatalities.

The KNCHR condemned both the excessive use of force by police against protesters and the violent acts committed by some demonstrators. It highlighted the assault on medical personnel, lawyers, journalists, and the targeting of safe spaces such as churches and emergency medical centers.

Despite President Ruto's announcement that he would not sign the bill containing the tax hikes into law, activists have called for new protests starting Tuesday. Social media campaigns using hashtags like "Occupy Everywhere," "Ruto must go," and "Reject Budgeted Corruption" are gaining momentum.

In response to the violence, India has issued an advisory for its nationals in Kenya, urging them to exercise caution, restrict non-essential movement, and avoid areas affected by the protests until the situation stabilizes. The Indian Embassy in Kenya emphasized the importance of safety for its citizens amid the ongoing unrest.