Over 200 protesters have been arrested in Nairobi as demonstrations against a finance bill that seeks to impose new taxes continue, with activists vowing to maintain their stance despite police intervention.
More than 200 protesters have been apprehended in Kenya's capital, Nairobi, as demonstrations against a proposed finance bill that includes substantial tax hikes intensify. Civil society groups have stated that the protests and a planned sit-down outside parliament will continue despite the arrests.
Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei asserted that no group had obtained authorization to demonstrate in the capital. While the Constitution safeguards the right to peaceful protest, organizers are obligated to notify the police in advance. Police typically grant approval unless there are security considerations.
Protests Erupt in Kenya Over Proposed Tax Hikes
On Tuesday, police employed tear gas to disperse hundreds of demonstrators, prompting businesses to temporarily shut down due to looting concerns. Lawyer Wanjohi Gachie stated that he was protesting on behalf of all Kenyans who would be adversely affected by the tax increases.
Some significant tax proposals in the bill were withdrawn following a meeting on Tuesday morning involving President William Ruto and lawmakers from the governing party. Kuria Kimani, chairperson of the finance committee, announced that the 16% value-added tax on bread had been eliminated.
Protests Erupt in Kenya Over Proposed Tax Hikes
Other contentious levies that have been revised include a proposed 2.5% annual motor vehicle tax to be imposed on insurance and a tax on environmentally harmful products that will now pertain solely to imported goods to incentivize local manufacturing.
Human rights organization Amnesty Kenya reported that its employees monitoring the protests were apprehended. "We demand the immediate and unconditional release of all arrested protesters and observers," the organization declared.
Kenya Law Society President Faith Odhiambo alleged that police used tear gas on lawyers at a Nairobi police station as they attempted to meet with their clients.
President Ruto defended the proposed taxes last month, emphasizing the need for Kenya's financial self-sufficiency. "The basic principle is that you must live within your means," he said. "I persuaded and made a case to the Kenyan people that we must begin to enhance our revenue."
Opposition leader Raila Odinga urged legislators to scrutinize the bill and remove clauses that would burden the poor. In a statement released earlier in June, Odinga characterized the bill as "worse than the one of 2023, an investment killer and a huge millstone around the necks of millions of poor Kenyans."
Kalonzo Musyoka, another opposition figure, stated that weekly protests would resume if the finance bill was passed in its current form. Legislators are scheduled to debate the bill starting Wednesday, with a vote expected on Monday.
Last year's finance bill introduced a 1.5% housing tax on the gross income of salaried individuals, sparking concerns that it would worsen the financial burden on Kenyansすでに高騰していた生活費にさらなる負担をかける. The bill also doubled VAT on petroleum products from 8% to 16%.
