Massive Protests Erupt Across Kenya Against President Ruto’s New Tax Proposals
Thousands of young Kenyans took to the streets on Thursday, protesting against President William Ruto’s proposed tax increases in the annual budget legislation. Demonstrations paralyzed Nairobi's central business district, where riot police deployed tear gas and water cannons as protesters approached parliament, where lawmakers were debating the finance bill.
The protests began on Tuesday and have intensified as demonstrators demand that lawmakers reject the legislation, which they believe will heavily burden salaried workers, entrepreneurs, and consumers. The protesters accuse President Ruto of reneging on his promise to reduce taxes and lower the cost of living.
Key components of the new tax proposals include a 2.75% levy on income for the national medical insurance plan, and higher taxes on vegetable oil and fuel, which would raise production costs and consumer prices. Although a proposed 16% value-added tax on bread and a new annual tax on motor vehicles were removed from the bill following a meeting between Ruto and ruling party members, protesters insist the amendments are insufficient and are calling for the complete rejection of the budget legislation.
"Our parents have been taxed dry, yet there’s no development to show for it. We reject any additional taxes and will stay on the streets for as long as it takes," said Ashley Mwai, a 19-year-old protester.
Walter Mwangi, a 34-year-old businessman, expressed frustration with the current tax burden, stating, "We are sick and tired."
As lawmakers debated the legislation, demonstrators attempted to breach a security cordon around parliament, carrying anti-government placards and chanting against Ruto. Meanwhile, the president attended a university event in Garissa, where anti-government protesters lined the streets.
Protests also occurred in Eldoret, Ruto’s hometown, where young people expressed regret over voting for him.
Earlier in the week, Ruto acknowledged the protests as a constitutional right but emphasized that government institutions must perform their duties. "We are a democratic country. Those who want to demonstrate, it is their right, no problem. But decisions have to be made by institutions," he stated on Wednesday.
More than 200 people were arrested and later released during Tuesday's protests. While the right to protest is enshrined in the Kenyan constitution, previous anti-government demonstrations in Nairobi have often been met with police force, including instances where protesters were shot at by the police.
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