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Kenya Protests: One Killed, Over 200 Injured in Nationwide Tax Hike Demonstrations

Kenya protests turn violent as thousands demonstrate against government plans to raise $2.7 billion in additional taxes, resulting in one death and over 200 injuries.

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Nitish Verma
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Kenya Protests: One Killed, Over 200 Injured in Nationwide Tax Hike Demonstrations

Kenya was plunged into chaos on Thursday as nationwide protests against the government's proposed tax reforms turned violent, leaving one person dead and at least 200 injured. The demonstrations, which broke out in 19 of the country's 47 counties, saw police firing tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters in the capital Nairobi.

According to a joint statement by five rights groups, including Amnesty International and the Kenya Medical Association, more than 100 protesters were arrested across the country. The Independent Policing Oversight Authority (IPOA) confirmed the death of a 29-year-old man, allegedly as a result of police shooting, and documented several serious injuries suffered by other demonstrators, including police officers.

The protests were sparked by the government's plans to raise $2.7 billion in additional taxes, which critics argue will choke the economy and raise the cost of living for Kenyans who are already struggling to make ends meet. Despite the widespread demonstrations, lawmakers passed the finance bill in its second reading on Thursday, moving the contested tax proposals to their next stage for approval.

Why it Matters : The proposed tax reforms have far-reaching implications for Kenya's economy and its citizens. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has urged the government to increase revenues to reduce the budget deficit and state borrowing. However, the opposition argues that the new levies will disproportionately affect the poor and vulnerable, exacerbating poverty and inequality. The government's decision to push ahead with the reforms despite widespread opposition has sparked concerns about the country's democratic credentials and the government's willingness to listen to its citizens.

The protests have also highlighted the deep-seated frustrations among Kenyans, particularly the youth, who feel that the government is out of touch with their needs and aspirations. The demonstrations have brought together a diverse range of groups, including students, workers, and civil society organizations, united in their opposition to the tax reforms.

As the country prepares for the next stage of the legislative process, the stakes are high. The government's decision to soften its position on some of the new levies, including on car ownership, bread, cooking oil, and financial transactions, may not be enough to placate the opposition. The fate of the finance bill will be decided on Tuesday, when lawmakers meet to vote on the proposed changes.

Key Takeaways:

  • One person was killed and at least 200 injured in nationwide protests against Kenya's proposed tax reforms.
  • The government's plans to raise $2.7 billion in additional taxes have sparked widespread opposition.
  • Despite the protests, lawmakers passed the finance bill in its second reading, moving the contested tax proposals to their next stage for approval.
  • The proposed tax reforms have far-reaching implications for Kenya's economy and its citizens. 
  • The protests have highlighted deep-seated frustrations among Kenyans, particularly the youth, who feel that the government is out of touch with their needs and aspirations.