The Kenyan High Court has approved the use of military force to restore order after days of anti-tax protests overwhelmed the police. Reports indicate that more than 20 people have been killed in the nationwide protests, largely led by young people opposing government plans to increase taxes.

On Thursday, armored military vehicles patrolled the streets of Nairobi as police fired tear gas to disperse protesters who had threatened to storm the presidential palace. A judge ruled that the military deployment was necessary to protect government installations but required the authorities to clarify within two days the duration of the deployment and its rules of engagement.

“Deploying the military without a clear operational scope or duration poses a risk of militarizing the country,” ruled Justice Lawrence Mugambi.

The Law Society of Kenya, which had petitioned the court to recall the army, stated that it “respects but disagrees” with the ruling.

On Wednesday, President William Ruto conceded to public pressure and announced the withdrawal of the finance bill containing the unpopular tax proposals. This decision came a day after protesters briefly stormed and set fire to parliament.

Isaac Mwaura, the government spokesman, told the BBC’s Newsday programme that withdrawing the bill was a “huge blow to the government,” leaving a “big hole” in the budget.

“It is really a big setback,” Mr. Mwaura said, blaming “misinformed” Kenyans for opposing the bill.

“There was a very well-choreographed campaign, both locally and internationally, to misinform and disinform people so that they can create a revolt,” he added.

The finance bill aimed to raise taxes to help alleviate the country’s debt burdens, as demanded by lenders including the International Monetary Fund. However, many protesters doubt if President Ruto will implement the austerity measures he announced on Wednesday.

Protesters have also been angered by reports of arbitrary abductions and the killing of at least 23 people. Some are now calling for the president to step down. State agents have been accused of abducting hundreds of people linked to the protests.

The state-funded Kenya National Human Rights Commission reported that it had helped secure the release of more than 300 people who had been “illegally detained.”

However, government spokesman Isaac Mwaura denied these allegations, stating that “criminal elements who wanted a coup d’etat” had tried to take advantage of the peaceful protests.