TENSIONS flared near the parliament building on Tuesday as Kenyan police fired tear gas at hundreds of people demonstrating against a proposed finance bill that would increase taxes on fuel, housing, and digital content. The bill, put forth by President William Ruto, aims to generate more revenue for the country amid mounting debt repayments in East Africa’s economic powerhouse. However, the move has faced strong opposition from civil servants, political opponents, and citizens who argue that the cost of living is already unmanageably high.
About 500 protesters marched to the parliament building to present a petition against the bill, but their efforts were met with tear gas, according to a witness from Reuters. Police detained eleven protesters during the clash.
President Ruto has defended the bill, emphasising that its provisions are necessary for ensuring financial stability and creating job opportunities, particularly for the youth, through the construction of new houses financed by a housing levy. The legislation is slated for a vote next week.
The Azimio La Umoja (Declaration of Unity) party, the leading opposition party that has been spearheading protests against the government since March over the high cost of living and alleged election fraud, has strongly criticised the bill. They argue that its implementation would push the country back to the 1980s when the economy started to deteriorate.
Last week, bipartisan talks between the opposition and the government in parliament, aimed at resolving their disagreements, were suspended. Raila Odinga, the leader of the opposition, has threatened to organise further protests in response to the proposed bill.
Labour unions, including one representing health workers, have also expressed their opposition to the bill through protests held last week.
The proposed finance bill has become a focal point of discontent among various segments of Kenyan society, raising concerns about the rising cost of living and the potential impact on the country’s economic stability. The upcoming vote on the bill will be a critical moment as the government and its opponents clash over the way forward.
(with Reuters)