Hundreds of Kenyans took to the streets on Tuesday, joining a movement led by young people that demonstrators hope will force the government to repeal a finance bill that critics say will deprive the East African region of millions of people. life becomes onerous.
Debate over the bill has shaken Kenya, an economic powerhouse of 54 million people that has long been a pillar of stability in a deeply volatile region. Thousands of people protested against tax increases across the country last week, leaving at least one person dead and 200 injured, according to Amnesty International.
Several activists who were prominent critics of the bill were kidnapped ahead of Tuesday’s demonstrations, according to the Kenya Bar Association. The identity of the kidnappers has not been made public, but some are believed to be intelligence officers, said Law Society president Faith Odhiambo. Police did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Members of Parliament will debate and vote on proposed amendments to the bill on Tuesday. President William Ruto’s ruling coalition has enough votes to pass the bill, although opposition leaders have rejected it outright. Once the bill is approved by parliament, Mr Ruto can sign it into law or send it back for amendments.
Last week, as demonstrators filled the streets, lawmakers vowed to scrap some taxes, including on bread, cooking oil and cars. But protesters have decried other taxes, including on imported goods, and urged the government to abandon the draft legislation.
“To have the audacity to raise taxes during a difficult economic time, not listen to our concerns and then mistreat us shows how tone-deaf the government is and how little they care about us,” said 26-year-old musician Kasmul McColl, who attended the event. Kasmuel McOure said.
Observers say the protests are led by young people, who have used social media platforms such as TikTok and Instagram to launch a leaderless movement that has galvanized the country. Young Kenyans say their movement transcends boundaries of class, tribe or ethnicity and is focused on achieving economic security and social equality for millions, which remains a distant dream for them.
