Nairobi Erupts in Protests: Tear Gas and Rubber Bullets Dispersed Amid Tax Hike Controversy
Demonstrations continue across Kenya despite the government’s dramatic U-turn on legislation that would have raised taxes.
“Protesters Demand President Ruto’s Resignation Following Withdrawal of Unpopular Tax Bill”
Key Points:
- Protesters call for President Ruto’s removal after he withdrew the tax hike bill.
- Police use tear gas and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators.
- Protests occur in multiple cities, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu.
- Human rights groups report live fire usage, resulting in deaths and injuries.
In Kenya’s capital, Nairobi, police fired tear gas and rubber bullets on Thursday to disperse demonstrators protesting against a controversial tax hike bill. The protests, driven by the proposed increase in taxes on essential goods, have ignited widespread public outrage and calls for President William Ruto’s removal.
Hundreds took to the streets, a day after President Ruto withdrew the unpopular bill in response to the demands of young protesters. Despite the withdrawal, tensions remained high as protesters marched towards Nairobi’s central business district. Security forces, including soldiers and police in anti-riot gear, blocked access to key areas such as the State House and Parliament of Kenya.
Turnout for the protests was lower compared to previous days, following violent clashes that resulted in over 20 deaths, according to human rights groups. The Kenya National Commission for Human Rights (KNCHR) reported credible accounts of live ammunition being used against civilians, leading to fatalities, though specific locations were not mentioned.
Demonstrations also erupted in other cities, including the port city of Mombasa and Kisumu, where protesters blocked roads and lit fires. In Homa Bay Town, Citizen TV reported that seven people sustained gunshot wounds during the protests and were hospitalized.
The youth-led protests, which began last week, have posed a significant challenge to Ruto’s government. On Wednesday, the president announced the withdrawal of the tax bill, stating, “The people have spoken,” and expressed his intention to engage with the youth. However, protesters dismissed this move as too little, too late, and vowed to continue their demonstrations to honor those killed.
Al Jazeera’s Zein Basravi, reporting from Nairobi, noted fluctuating tensions between police and protesters throughout the day, with sporadic confrontations. Protesters maintained their demand for Ruto’s resignation, chanting “Ruto must go” repeatedly.
Kasmuel McOure, a Kenyan youth leader and award-winning pianist, voiced the frustrations of the youth, accusing Ruto of leading a heavily discontented country. “Kenya has been declared a military state. And I know nobody’s talking about that enough. But the army has been given free rein,” he said, affirming his commitment to continue protesting until the president heeds the people’s demands.
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