Kenya's Youth Rise: Mass Protests Against New Tax Proposals

Thousands of mainly young Kenyans demonstrated against President William Ruto's new tax proposals in Nairobi and other areas. Despite some amendments, protesters, decrying increased costs and broken promises, are demanding the full rejection of the legislation. Riot police responded with tear gas and water cannons as lawmakers debated the bill.

Nairobi's central business district came to a halt on Thursday as thousands of mostly young Kenyans protested against new tax proposals by President William Ruto's administration. The sweeping demonstrations, marked by riot police on horseback deploying tear gas and water cannons, underlined widespread discontent as lawmakers deliberated the contentious finance bill.

The protesters, launching their second wave of demonstrations since Tuesday, called for lawmakers to reject the legislation. They argue that the proposed taxes, which include a 2.75% levy on income for the national medical insurance and increased taxes on vegetable oil and fuel, contradict Ruto's pledge to reduce taxes and lower living costs.

Despite the removal of a proposed 16% value-added tax on bread and a new annual tax on motor vehicles, demonstrators say the amendments fall short. Chanting against Ruto and carrying anti-government placards, they argued the new proposals would further burden salaried Kenyans, entrepreneurs, and consumers.

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