Kenya Arrests More Than 200 Demonstrators Opposing Proposed Tax Increases

 

More than 200 protesters have been arrested in Nairobi, Kenya’s capital, as demonstrations against proposed tax increases in a forthcoming finance package continue. Despite the arrests, civil society groups have vowed to persist with the protests, including a planned sit-in outside the parliament buildings.

Nairobi Police Commander Adamson Bungei announced on Tuesday that no group had received permission to demonstrate in the city. While Kenya’s constitution guarantees the right to peaceful demonstrations, organizers are required to notify the police in advance, who typically grant permission unless there are security concerns.

Police used tear gas to disperse hundreds of protesters, prompting businesses to temporarily close due to fears of looting. Among the demonstrators was attorney Wanjohi Gachie, who expressed concern about the financial burden the proposed tax increases would place on Kenyans. “We are fighting for their rights as well; therefore, I’m asking the police not to arrest or beat us,” he said.

Following a meeting on Tuesday morning, President William Ruto and ruling party MPs decided to shelve some key tax proposals in the bill. Kuria Kimani, head of the finance committee, announced the removal of the plan to impose a 16% VAT on bread. Additionally, the proposed 2.5% annual motor vehicle insurance fee and a levy on environmentally damaging products were amended to exclude locally produced goods, focusing solely on imports.

President Ruto emphasized the necessity of the nation becoming financially self-sustaining, supporting the proposed levies. “You must live within your means; that’s the entire principle,” he stated. “I persuaded and made a case to the Kenyan people that we must start increasing our revenue.”

Opposition leader Raila Odinga urged legislators to scrutinize the measure and eliminate provisions that would burden the poor. Earlier in June, Odinga criticized the measure as an “investment killer” and a significant hardship for millions of impoverished Kenyans. Opposition leader Kalonzo Musyoka warned that weekly demonstrations would resume if the proposed financial bill passes.

Legislators are set to begin discussing the measure on Wednesday, with a vote scheduled for Monday. Last year, the financial law raised the VAT on petroleum products from 8% to 16% and imposed a 1.5% housing tax on gross income for salaried individuals, sparking widespread concern over the rising cost of living in Kenya.