Kenya’s mass protest: Kenya’s parliament passed a contentious budget law on Tuesday, raising taxes amid violent clashes between police and demonstrators in Nairobi and other towns around the country.
The finance bill aims to raise an additional $2.7 billion in taxes as part of an effort to lighten the heavy debt load, with interest payments alone consuming 37% of annual revenue.
Controversial Tax Proposals due to that Keny’s mass protest started:
- The financial measure currently being debated in parliament includes new charges on monetizing digital content creation.
- A tax rise of 5% on digital payments (bank transfers and digital money payments).
- A proposed 16% VAT on bread.
- An excise levy of 25% on raw and refined vegetable cooking oil produced locally.
- Protests have expanded beyond Nairobi to include Nakuru, Kisumu, and President Ruto’s hometown of Eldoret.
US, NATO and IMF are destroying Kenya.
Massive protests in Nairobi, the capital, after the government imposes billions of dollars in new taxes.
This must be the “reform” imposed by IMF.
Also, Pres. Ruto visited the White House last month, when Biden designated Kenya as a… pic.twitter.com/NnaqcV0jTH
— S.L. Kanthan (@Kanthan2030) June 25, 2024
Witnesses said police used tear gas, water cannons, and rounds over demonstrators’ heads to disperse the masses, while protesters replied by throwing stones at security troops.
A protester seizes and wields a police shield during anti-Finance Bill protests in Nairobi CBD pic.twitter.com/3PYiiX5WNR
— Citizen TV Kenya (@citizentvkenya) June 25, 2024
As parliamentarians debated the tax plan, riot police surrounded the parliament building and the State House, which contains the president’s office and residence. The parliament adopted the proposals and adjourned, while demonstrators gathered outside the building.
Kenya’s mass protest started against the tax increases in a country already dealing with a serious cost-of-living problem, with many calling for President William Ruto’s resignation.
Ruto won an election nearly two years ago on a platform of defending Kenya’s working poor, but he has been trapped between contradictory demands from lenders such as the International Monetary Fund, which is pressuring the government to reduce deficits in order to obtain more funds, and a struggling populace.
Fire breaks out in the governor’s office in Nairobi.
A fire started at the governor’s office in Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, according to TV video, while protestors unhappy about proposed tax hikes broke into the adjoining parliament complex, which was also partially on fire.
Footage released on privately owned Citizen TV showed police attempting to douse the flames at City Hall with water cannon when Kenya’s mass protest grew violent, with rights groups accusing officers of shooting live ammunition, killing one and injuring several more.
At least ten people were shot dead during Keyna’s mass protest in Kenya’s capital. A paramedic reported at least ten people were shot dead in Kenya’s capital as protests turned violent with police.
Kenyan police shot and killed kenya’s mass protesters near parliament according to a rights group, after demonstrators unhappy about proposed tax hikes broke through barricades and invaded the parliamentary complex, where a fire broke out. “According to KHRC, police shot four protestors, one of whom died.
“We strongly condemn the police killing,” the Kenya Human Rights Commission stated on X.
As confirmed by the Kenya Human Rights Commission (KHRC), police violence has tragically resulted in the death of one protester and injuries to three others. We vehemently condemn this egregious violation of human rights. The state’s use of force against peaceful demonstrators is… pic.twitter.com/Au9lcX9e2i
— Zamara Foundation (@Zamara_fdn) June 25, 2024
Kenyans have been dealing with a number of economic shocks, including the lingering effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the war in Ukraine, two years of drought, and currency depreciation.
Additionally, in the past, there have been mass protests in Kenya due to soaring living costs and alleged electoral malpractice in the August 2022 vote.
Furthermore, Kenya’s mass protest has taken place across major cities in Kenya to protest against femicide and violence against women.
Ongoing Kenya’s mass protest in Nairobi have significantly disrupted daily life.
- Transportation Disruptions:
- Roadblocks and demonstrations have made it difficult for people to commute within the city.
- Public transportation services have been disrupted, affecting both commuters and businesses.
- Business Closures and Reduced Activity:
- Many businesses have closed temporarily due to safety concerns.
- Shops, markets, and restaurants have experienced reduced footfall as people stay home or avoid crowded areas.
- Internet and Communication
- The government has intermittently restricted internet access to control information flow during mass protests.
- Communication services may be disrupted, affecting work, education, and personal interactions.
- Safety Concerns:
- Residents are cautious about venturing out, especially near protest sites.
- Curfews and security measures have been imposed, impacting nightlife and social gatherings.
- Economic Impact:
- The uncertainty and instability have affected investor confidence and economic activities.
- Stock markets may experience volatility, and foreign investment could decline.
- Healthcare and Emergency Services:
- Hospitals and emergency services are strained due to increased demand and logistical challenges.
- Access to medical care may be limited in certain areas.
- Emotional Toll:
- The tense atmosphere and violence have taken an emotional toll on residents.
- Anxiety, fear, and stress levels are elevated.
To de-escalate Kenya’s mass protest, several steps can be considered:
- Dialogue and Mediation:
- Facilitate talks between government representatives, protest leaders, and civil society groups.
- Encourage open communication to address grievances and find common ground.
- Restraint by Security Forces:
- Ensure security forces exercise restraint and avoid excessive use of force.
- Prioritize peaceful crowd control methods over violence.
- Independent Investigations:
- Investigate incidents of violence and hold accountable those responsible for excessive force.
- Transparency in investigations builds trust.
- Public Awareness Campaigns:
- Educate citizens on their rights during protests.
- Promote non-violent demonstrations and peaceful assembly.
- Economic Relief Measures:
- Consider targeted relief for vulnerable populations affected by tax reforms.
- Address economic hardships to reduce frustration.
- Inclusive Governance:
- Involve diverse voices in decision-making processes.
- Ensure policies consider the needs of all citizens.
- International Diplomacy:
- Engage regional and international partners to mediate and encourage peaceful
