Kenyan police tear-gas, arrest anti-tax hike protesters in Nairobi

By Andrew Wasike

NAIROBI, Kenya (AA) - Police in Kenya on Tuesday fired tear gas at demonstrators in the capital Nairobi opposing the Finance Bill 2023, which seeks to implement tax hikes.

The protesters, holding placards, flags, and whistles, filled Nairobi's Central Business District (CBD) streets, chanting slogans against the bill as they marched to the parliament building.

"We will not be burdened by unjust tax hikes! The Finance Bill 2023 only deepens our economic struggles," Sarah Ndung'u, a 27-year-old university student, told Anadolu.

James Ochieng, a 30-year-old small business owner, who joined the protests to voice concerns about the impact on entrepreneurs and consumers also voiced similar sentiments.

“The government needs to listen to the people. These tax proposals will only increase the cost of living for ordinary citizens. The Finance Bill favors the wealthy while burdening the already vulnerable people,” Ochieng lamented while talking to Anadolu.

The scenes turned chaotic as police officers attempted to disperse the protesters by firing tear gas canisters into the crowd. Several people were arrested after protesters clashed with law enforcers.

The Finance Bill 2023, a proposed legislation, aims to implement tax changes aimed at expanding the tax base and generating revenue to meet the government's ambitious budget of KES 3.6 trillion ($25.89 billion) for the year 2023/2024.

The tax proposals have drawn widespread criticism, with many viewing them as burdensome to the public and detrimental to the cost of living.

Amid strong opposition in the East African country, Finance Bill 2023 is scheduled for its second reading in the parliament on June 8.