Hundreds of Kenyans took to the streets on Tuesday as part of a youth-led movement. Protesters hope it will force the government to abandon a finance bill that critics say would make life difficult for millions of people struggling to make ends meet across East Africa. nation.
Debate over the bill has roiled Kenya, an economic powerhouse of 54 million that has long been a pillar of stability in a deeply tumultuous region. Like thousands protested against tax increases Across the country last week, at least one person was killed and 200 others were injured, according to Amnesty International.
Before Tuesday’s demonstration, several activists prominent critics the invoice’s were removed, according to the Law Society of Kenya. The identity of the kidnappers was not publicly known, but some believed to be intelligence officers, declared the president of the Bar, Faith Odhiambo. Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Lawmakers in Parliament are expected to debate and vote on proposed amendments to the bill on Tuesday. President William Ruto’s governing alliance has enough votes to pass it, although opposition leaders have rejected the measure in its entirety. Once the bill has been approved by Parliament, Mr Ruto can sign it or return it for amendments.
As protesters filled the streets last week, lawmakers pledged to eliminate some taxes, including on bread, cooking oil and cars. But protesters denounced other taxes, particularly on imported products, and urged the government to scrap the bill.
“The audacity to raise taxes in these tough economic times, not listen to our concerns and then mistreat us shows how tone deaf the government is and how little it cares about us,” Kasmuel said McOure, 26, a musician who attended the event. during Tuesday’s protests.
Observers say the protests were guided by young people who used social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram to launch a leaderless movement that galvanized the nation. Young Kenyans say their movement transcends class, tribal or racial boundaries and focuses on achieving economic security and social equality for millions for whom it remains a distant dream .
