Hassan Magulumali
Kenyans are protesting against the Finance Bill presented in Parliament, calling President William Ruto a “thief.” These protests, dubbed #OccupyParliament, have sparked strong reactions from citizens who are criticizing the government’s economic policies, claiming they are increasing the cost of living.
Key amendments include the removal of the proposed 16% tax on bread, a staple for many households, and a revision of the Value Added Tax (VAT) threshold from Tsh. 100 million to Tsh. 161 million. Additionally, the government has retracted the increase in mobile money transfer fees, addressing a significant grievance among Kenyans who rely on mobile platforms for financial transactions.
The protests, which saw thousands take to the streets, were marked by violent clashes between demonstrators and the police. Reports indicate that six people were injured, including three children, during confrontations in Mathare where protesters set a water tank on fire. The unrest spread to other regions, with significant disruptions in Kisumu, Nakuru, and Kilifi, where police had to use tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds.
Also Read: Kenyan Traders Threaten to Shift to Dar es Salaam Port
In a statement, opposition leader Raila Odinga accused President William Ruto’s administration of ignoring the plight of ordinary Kenyans. Odinga reiterated that the protests would continue until the government takes concrete steps to address the economic crisis and other contentious issues such as the composition of the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission
The United Nations and various human rights organizations have called for restraint and a return to dialogue, emphasizing the need for peaceful resolution to the disputes. They urged the Kenyan government to ensure that security forces respect the rights of protesters and avoid excessive use of force
As tensions remain high, many are watching to see if the recent legislative changes will quell the unrest or if further protests will ensue. The situation underscores the deep economic and political challenges facing Kenya, with many citizens demanding urgent reforms to improve their living conditions and ensure governmental accountability.
Thank you for your article postReally thank you! Fantastic
Hello There. I found your blog using msn. This is an extremely well written article. I will make sure to bookmark it and return to read more of your useful info. Thanks for the post. I will certainly comeback.