Kenyan Protests Intensify Over Controversial Tax Bill

Kenyan police engaged with anti-tax protestors in Nairobi, as demonstrations swept across the nation, even reaching President Ruto’s hometown of Eldoret. Anti-riot officers, some mounted on horses, used tear gas to scatter protestors in Nairobi’s streets. Similar scenes unfolded in Nakuru, Eldoret, Kisumu, and Nyeri.

Widespread anger has erupted among Kenyans over a contentious finance bill introducing several unpopular tax proposals. Despite public outcry, the bill passed its second reading in parliament and now moves to the committee stage for tax-related amendments.

As protests began on Tuesday, public pressure led the government to withdraw certain provisions, such as a 16% tax on bread and an annual 2.5% vehicle tax. However, protestors insist these concessions are insufficient and demand legislators reject the bill entirely.

Aristaricus Irolo, 26, told the (EG), “I dropped out of college as my parents couldn’t afford my education. I’m hustling to go back and now you want to take the little I make and make me not even buy sanitary pads?” while holding a pad affected by proposed tax hikes.

Mumbi Muturi, 56, joined the protest to support her daughter and niece, both 25. She said, “We [her generation] did not come out to protest when we should have. I am not worried about these ones. They are securing their future. I am here to support them.”

Unlike past protests, young people drive the current movement, with peaceful demonstrations organized mainly through social media using hashtags like #OccupyParliament and #RejectFinanceBill2024. Young professionals, including doctors and lawyers, have offered their services to protestors.

In Eldoret, hundreds of protestors halted the city, marching and waving placards. Protests erupted in other towns, uniting Kenyans across ethnic and political lines against additional taxes.

Since President Ruto’s election in 2022, he has imposed several new taxes, which critics argue hinder economic growth and cause job losses. The government maintains these measures are necessary to reduce Kenya’s nearly $80bn (£63bn) national debt.

On Wednesday, President Ruto acknowledged the right to protest but asserted it would not impede government decisions. Lawyers and rights groups have criticized police for using excessive force against peaceful protestors, resulting in hundreds of arrests this week. Rights groups, including Amnesty International, deployed observers nationwide on Thursday and cautioned against further force.