One killed, over 200 injured in Kenya tax protests
- In Reports
- 06:41 PM, Jun 21, 2024
- Myind Staff
At least 200 people were injured and over 100 arrested across Kenya during nationwide protests on Thursday against government plans to raise $2.7 billion in additional taxes, according to an alliance of rights groups.
Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters in Nairobi, the capital, said the five rights groups, including Amnesty International and the Kenya Medical Association, in a joint statement. The presence of spent cartridges indicated the use of live rounds, they added.
An unidentified person died at Bliss Hospital from a gunshot wound to the thigh sustained during the protest, reported the Daily Nation newspaper.
A 29-year-old man died from a thigh wound during treatment at Bliss Hospital on Thursday night, according to a police report seen by Reuters. The report did not specify how he was injured, but he is believed to be the same person cited by the Daily Nation newspaper.
Nairobi County Police Commander Adamson Bungei did not respond to phone calls. "We commend the several thousands of protesters, many of whom are youthful, for picketing peacefully and exhibiting restraint and decorum despite provocation by police," the group said.
Protesters are demanding the government abandon the finance bill, arguing it will harm the economy and increase the cost of living for already struggling Kenyans. Meanwhile, the International Monetary Fund contends that the government must boost revenues to reduce the budget deficit and state borrowing.
Earlier this week, the government adjusted its stance slightly when President William Ruto endorsed recommendations to eliminate certain new taxes, including those on car ownership, bread, cooking oil, and financial transactions.
Despite widespread protests across 19 of Kenya’s 47 counties, lawmakers proceeded to pass the finance bill during its second reading on Thursday, advancing the disputed tax proposals to the next stage for approval.
Lawmakers are scheduled to convene on Tuesday to vote on the proposed amendments to the bill, which, according to parliament’s budget committee, would create a deficit of 200 billion Kenyan shillings (£1.56 billion) in the 2024/25 budget and necessitate government spending cuts.
Image source: Reuters
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