NAIROBI, Kenya

The wave of protests sweeping Kenya because of tax hikes has left two dead and more than 200 injured, health officials said Friday.

The Kenya Red Cross Society reported several of the injured are in critical condition and are currently receiving specialized medical attention.

The heavy-handed response by authorities has sparked demands for the resignation of the police chief by the opposition, at a time many Kenyans are accusing the police of using excessive force.

“We demand that Inspector General Japheth Koome and Nairobi Regional Commander Adamson Bungei immediately tender their resignations for failing to protect the peaceful demonstrators,” Kalonzo Musyoka, a top official from the opposition said at a news conference in Nairobi.

“We also demand that the director of public prosecution bring charges against Koome, Bungei, and their rogue officers,” he added.

Social media users in Kenya are also urging the resignations of the top police officials and accused police leadership of failing to protect peaceful demonstrators during protests against the Finance Bill 2024.

Gillian Munyau, mother of Rex Kanyike, 29, who was killed by police, expressed grief and outrage to Anadolu.

"My son was only standing up for what he believed in, fighting for a better future for all of us. It breaks my heart to see his life cut short by those who are supposed to protect us,” she said.

The protests, largely led by young people are fueled by outrage about proposed tax hikes on essential goods and services.

Among the injured are journalists who were hurt while covering the protests. They sustained injuries from tear gas canisters, police baton charges and fighting between police and demonstrators.

Human rights organizations have condemned the excessive use of force by police and demanded an independent investigation into the deaths and injuries.

Organizers announced Friday that they will lead demonstrations Tuesday to occupy parliament and shut down the central business district.

Kenya's parliament has passed Finance Bill 2024. Despite significant public opposition and protests, the bill, which includes several contentious tax proposals, has been amended to remove some of the most controversial measures, but many remain.

But it includes other tax increases aimed at raising more than $2.7 billion in revenue for the government's ambitious 2024 - 25 budget which totals Ksh 4.2 trillion ($30.6 billion).