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Kenya prepares for more protests against controversial tax law
The US embassy called on citizens to “remain vigilant” and avoid gatherings.
June 20, 2024, 3:01 am ET
• 4 minutes of reading
LONDON – KenyaCitizens are expected to take to the streets on Thursday in protest as nationwide demonstrations continue over a controversial tax bill.
The controversial bill – known as the Finance Bill 2024 – has sparked discontent across the East African country since it was first tabled in parliament in May, with the new bill proposing an increase in a number of taxes and fees. for Kenyans.
Hundreds of people took to the streets of Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, on Tuesday, with armed police throwing tear gas canisters and firing water cannons at protesters who had gathered in Nairobi’s central business district.
At least 283 protesters were arrested, including four journalists, Amnesty Kenya told ABC News. The human rights organization said it was “alarmed and outraged” by the “use of excessive force”, the “intimidation of civilians” and arbitrary detentions.
“The police fired tear gas at us and we had to run to a nearby cafe for shelter,” Stella Njoki, 22, a student who took part in the protests, told ABC News in a phone interview. “But it was imperative that we make our voices heard, because this is our future, our Kenya, and we will be the ones who pay this price.”
Protesters chant anti-government slogans during a demonstration against tax increases as members of Parliament debate the Finance Bill 2024 in central Nairobi on June 18, 2024. Luis Tato/AFP via Getty Images
The US Embassy in Nairobi on Tuesday published a rally warning for US citizens, saying the events are “intended to be peaceful” but could “turn violent” at any time. The embassy called on US citizens to “remain vigilant” and avoid large gatherings.
The Finance Bill was introduced as part of Kenya’s budget for next year, with Kenya’s Finance Minister, Njuguna Ndung’u, stating that the budget aims to “revitalize” Kenya’s economy, raising 346.7 billion additional Kenyan shillings in revenue and help alleviate debt.
People run for cover after tear gas fired by Kenyan police officers exploded next to them during a demonstration against tax increases as members of Parliament debate the 2024 Finance Bill in central Nairobi on June 18, 2024.Luis Tato/AFP via Getty Images
Kenyans fear the law – which has been proposed to come into force on July 1 – will increase the economic burden on those already struggling with the cost of living.
The Kenya Media Council in a statement condemned the “arbitrary arrests and attacks on journalists” who covered the protests, expressing “dismay” at the fact that journalists were harassed despite being clearly identified with press coats and badges.
In a statement on Tuesday night, the Office of the President of Kenya announced that it had made amendments to the Finance Bill “taking into account the views of the people and other stakeholders during public participation sessions”.
Protesters hold up gun signs in front of Kenyan police officers during a demonstration against tax increases as members of Parliament debate the Finance Bill 2024 in central Nairobi on June 18, 2024. Luis Tato/AFP via Getty Images
Among the changes are the elimination of a proposed 16% VAT on bread, taxes on foreign exchange transactions and financial services, as well as a 2.5% motor vehicle tax.
“We are going to end up with a product in Parliament that came from the Executive and was questioned by the Legislature. Through public participation, the people of Kenya had a say,” said President Ruto.