Kenya's Tax Hike Climbdown Fails to End Protests: At Least Two Killed in Clashes Near Nairobi

Despite Kenya's President William Ruto's decision to abandon a controversial tax hike bill, nationwide protests continued on Thursday, resulting in at least two deaths and multiple injuries. The protests, which began earlier in the week, have grown into a youth-led movement demanding political reform and Ruto's resignation.

In Nairobi, police fired teargas at dozens of protesters, blocking off roads to the presidential palace. In the town of Homa Bay, police shot at protesters who attempted to torch police vehicles, resulting in seven people being admitted to hospital with gunshot wounds. The Standard newspaper reported that two people were killed in clashes between police and anti-tax protesters in Ongata Rongai, a town on the outskirts of Nairobi.

The protests have been sparked by Ruto's proposed tax hike bill, which would have increased taxes on essential items such as bread, cooking oil, and diapers. The bill was widely seen as regressive and unfair, and its abandonment has been met with skepticism by many Kenyans. Ruto's decision to start a dialogue with Kenyan youth and implement austerity measures, including cuts to the budget of the presidency, may be seen as a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to quell the protests and restore stability to the country.

The protests have spread to other cities, including Mombasa and Kisumu, with hundreds of demonstrators gathering in these areas. While some protests appeared peaceful, others turned violent, with police deploying teargas and army vehicles being deployed to assist police.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed concern over the situation in Kenya, which may impact the country's ability to secure future funding. The IMF has been urging the government to cut its deficit and reduce its borrowing, but the protests have highlighted the need for a more nuanced approach to economic reform.

Why it Matters : The ongoing protests in Kenya have significant implications for the country's political and economic stability. The tax hike bill, which was intended to reduce the budget deficit and borrowing, has been met with widespread opposition, and Ruto's decision to abandon it has sparked a crisis of confidence in his presidency. The protests have also highlighted the growing discontent among Kenya's youth, who are demanding greater accountability and transparency from their leaders.

Ruto's decision to start a dialogue with Kenyan youth and implement austerity measures, including cuts to the budget of the presidency, may be seen as a step in the right direction, but it remains to be seen whether this will be enough to quell the protests and restore stability to the country.

Key Takeaways :

• At least two people have been killed and many injured in clashes between police and anti-tax protesters in Kenya.
• Despite President William Ruto's decision to abandon the tax hike bill, nationwide protests have continued, with demonstrators demanding his resignation.
• The protests have spread to multiple cities, including Nairobi, Mombasa, and Kisumu, with police deploying teargas and army vehicles to assist in maintaining order.
• The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has expressed concern over the situation in Kenya, which may impact the country's ability to secure future funding.
• The ongoing protests have highlighted the growing discontent among Kenya's youth, who are demanding greater accountability and transparency from their leaders.

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