Protesters in Kenya are planning to demonstrate against controversial tax reforms that have been proposed by the government, leading to clashes with police and arrests. The protests have spread across the country and have been largely peaceful, led by young Kenyans who are upset about the increases in taxes on items such as bread, vegetable oil, and digital payments. The government has responded by warning protesters against violence and trying to crackdown on demonstrations, but critics blame the government for the violence that has occurred.
In response to the protests, emergency amendments were announced by Parliament to roll back some of the proposed taxes, including those on bread, oil, motor vehicles, and financial transactions. Despite these changes, protesters continued their demonstrations, calling for the entire bill to be dropped. The protests escalated when demonstrators tried to occupy Parliament Buildings during a second reading of the bill, leading to clashes with security officials. The protests have remained politically sensitive due to rising living costs and previous tax hikes, which have put a strain on working-class Kenyans.
President William Ruto’s government has defended the tax hikes as necessary to pay off a public debt and meet revenue targets. However, protesters argue that the tax increases are unfair and burdening the working class, who have not seen improvements in public services. Ruto has indicated willingness to speak directly to protesters, though no meeting has been organized yet. Despite the outrage, lawmakers loyal to Ruto have voted in favor of the amendments, and the bill is expected to pass into law and take effect from July 1.
Protesters have vowed to continue demonstrating until the bill is thrown out, with plans to return when Parliament sits again. Young people, including those who have not voted before, are closely watching how MPs are voting and are promising to mobilize and vote out Ruto’s cabinet in the next elections. Some are also calling for Ruto to step down, though elections are not scheduled until 2027. The protests in Kenya have highlighted the discontent among the population over the government’s tax reforms and the impact they will have on the cost of living for many Kenyans.
